The First Omen (2024)

The First Omen

• I’m not always a super huge fan of prequels, but this was one I can somewhat get behind. It’s nice because it provides some helpful information and entertaining events that lead into ‘The Omen’. You can still watch ‘The Omen’ and enjoy it, but now after seeing this, I have even more appreciation for it. It provides great backstory, and though it’s definitely a little much at times, it’s fairly enjoyable. I really love the way it connects to the original movie. What’s also really nice is that this one doesn’t rely on the original at all. Even though they’re strongly connected, you don’t realize it until the end. I was able to pick up some hints, so I can’t say I was surprised, but it was still a nice little present. My biggest problem with it though is that it felt like it took forever. It just kind of kept going on and on, although it did eventually lead to an interesting climax. Also, a good chunk of it felt very similar to the original movie. It wasn’t a copy or anything, but some events and situations felt very similar, and I felt like I was doing a rewatch, rather than a new watch. That’s the movie’s biggest weakness. On the plus side, It’s easily the most disturbing and graphic movie of the franchise. There were some very shocking moments in it, some of which made me squirm and feel a little gross. There was also one scene in particular that scared me pretty good, which is very hard to do. Finally, the score was fantastic, I loved the setting, and the practical and visual effects were pretty gnarly. Overall, this movie definitely has its weaknesses, but also its strengths. Definitely make sure to watch the original Omen before this one, because you’ll appreciate this so much more.