"Megiddo: The Omega Code 2" is the sequel to the 1999 film "The Omega Code". Technically, the film is a prequel (plot wise) which covers Alexander Stones rise to power and depicts his feud with his younger brother. It leads to the battle at Megiddo and here the story deviates from the events shown in the first film. It had a substantially larger budget and benefits from superior direction by Brian Trenchard-Smith. Again rated PG-13, but at least this time the climatic battle is fairly well executed.

Is this film an improvement on the first? Well not entirely. The script is still weak and there seems to be little insight into the forces of good. God and Jesus are seldom mentioned and the plot still focuses on the rise of the beast. The production values are higher and some of the action scenes have fairly good CGI. However, the destruction of the coliseum is poorly done. There is also a good cast of established character actors, such as Michael Biehn, David Hedison, Udo Kier and Franco Nero. In a fit of inspired casting, R Lee Ermey plays the president of the United States!

But unfortunately the weak script lets them down. Considering the nature of the plot, you would expect some flamboyant dialogue and clever theological cut and thrust. Also, one thing that struck me. What is the Pope doing during these proceedings? In fact how does Islam react to these events? The screenplay chooses to omits these plot lines. There is also no mention of the number of the beast. You do not have to be a major religious scholar to start finding plot holes.

However despite these shortcomings, this is by and large a more enjoyable film than it's predecessor. The reliable cast tackle the screenplay and plot with determination. I still got the feeling that I was watching a sanitised version of a "The Final Conflict". I would assume that the financiers of this film had a clear religious agenda which prevented them from exploring the full potential of the subject matter. Put this film on your "B" list and watch when your in a forgiving mood. Oh and there's no reference to the code of the title in this movie.

XoD.