By KARRI LIN
karri@newsroom.byu.edu
'The Omega Code' is a disaster. The only reason this movie ever made it to the big screen is because the Trinity Broadcasting Network funded millions of dollars.
Dr. Gillen Lane (Casper Van Dien) is a highly successful motivational speaker and mythology expert who does not believe in God. He was determined to save his marriage to wife Jennifer (Devon Odessa). Yet when an invitation from billionaire philanthropist Stone Alexander (Michael York) to join him to promote world peace, Gillen cannot resist and heads off for Rome.
Unbeknownst to Gillen, Alexander and his right-hand man, Dominic (Michael Ironside) are after world domination by deciphering a hidden code in the bible that contains all of human history as well as future.
Gillen eventually discovers Alexander's evil plan and must figure out how to stop the madman.
Based on the religious topic of the film, I was not surprised that 'The Omega Code' was released in Utah first. I was expecting to receive a somewhat uplifting message but instead laughed at the far-fetched storyline.
Alexander's bold proposal to have Middle East's sovereignties is extremely unrealistic. He masks his political ambitions with a twisted religious message. Even though the film contains no sex, nudity, or swearing, TBN seems think guns and lethal violence are accepted aspects of entertainment. During various supposedly intense moments, I found myself snickering at the cheesy production.
'The Omega Code' has a cultic feel because it shows that people are willing to believe in anything, however ridiculous. It also contains many abrupt transitions.
Gillen's character does not attribute any significance to the storyline, instead it seems like the film can go on without his character. However, Gillen does receive many visions during his process of 'conversion.'
Very bad acting. The codes seem like cheesy chapter headings. Predictable plots when the bad guys kill the only good intelligent guy in the movie. The whole film is untactful with horrible acting. It is as if no scientific methods or research matters for this movie.