Must-See Horror Films Part 3
The Omen trilogy ("The Omen", "Damien", "The Final Conflict")
"The Omen" has a very prominent place in my life. It is one of the films that terrified me the most, for the longest time. It really bothered me, making me feel like you could trust no one, and you were safe almost nowhere. It also really built my interest in religious history, comparative religion, and the supernatural. In terms of films, this series, and "Rosemary's Baby" set the bar for what horror films could be. They didn't have to look cheap, or star no-name or has-been actors. They didn't have to be hokey or cheesy. And these films are anything but. Each starring major actors such as Gregory Peck, they depict the birth of the Anti-Christ, and his ascent to power in the world of politics. This happens through a global conspiracy of seemingly normal people in key positions - a nurse in a hospital, a nanny, the headmaster of a military school and others, all who take the steps needed to make sure Damian, the Anti-Christ, gets what he needs and where he needs to be, sometimes at the expense of others. They're also aided by Satan himself, who makes freak accidents like lightning strikes or elevator crashes happen, or his minions - animals like dogs or ravens who guard Damian and punish those who would threaten him. Along the way, as an early teen, Damian discovers who he is, and has to make the choice of accepting his destiny and power, or trying to live normally.