The Omega Code deals with an apocalyptic theme, using the controversial "Bible Code" as a major plot device. Despite the lack of a large scale marketing effort and an almost complete snub from both print and online critics—who were not invited to pre-release screenings—the film did well enough to place in the top ten grossing films its opening weekend. This is likely due to support given the film by Christian broadcasting networks and grass roots efforts from churches and other religious groups, who bought tickets in bulk.

Obviously the film does not deserve to be ignored, but neither does it merit good reviews. After a promising beginning, it slowly becomes muddled and confused, lost in a sea of implausible characters and transparent plot devices. Sadly, it’s just another mediocre movie.

Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) stars as Dr. Gillen Lane, motivational "guru" and expert on mythology. His skill in the art of persuasion is sought by Stone Alexander (Michael York), a millionaire philanthropist and transparently obvious megalomaniac in the James Bond mold. Together, they plan to bring the dream of world peace closer to reality.

Unknown to Gillen, Stone is using a stolen program which unlocks hidden messages numerically coded within the Bible. By fulfilling these prophetic messages, Stone's rise to power increases at a rapid pace. His idea of world peace is—surprise!—world domination. But the final piece to the code is missing, in the hands of mysterious "prophets" who try to warn the world against blindly following the path Stone is paving, knowing it leads away from God and towards destruction.

Can Gillen, who has begun to have "visions" that he cannot explain, discover Stone's evil intents in time? What is the final message of the Bible Code which has been kept out of Stone's hands? Can the world be saved? These are all important questions to the plot, but not as important as the one viewers must ask: "Why isn't this a better film?"

A large part of the answer lies with the script by Hollis Barton and Stephan Blinn, who between them have no other screen credits. Instead of developing fresh and interesting people we can root for, they have relied upon superficial and clichéd stock characters which stretch the limits of credibility. Director Robert Marcarelli is a similarly generic presence, and brings nothing in the way of personality to the movie.

In the most crucial role, Van Dien, who looks like a Top Gun recruiting poster, is hard pressed to pull off his part, lacking the charisma needed to explain the influence and popularity his character supposedly enjoys. The rest of the cast goes through the motions as best they can.

Michael Elliott