Awakening, The

Eighteen years later, his daughter Stephanie Zimbalist (in her first film role) is coming into her own, and wanting to travel with dad to Egypt and get to know him better - she's often been away, while Heston was making time with his new wife and former assistant, Susannah York, and conducting his lecture tours. Stephanie's a sweet kid, even if she is suddenly developing problems. Seems she doesn't always know where she's been at night - or what she was doing. In fact, she isn't even sure who she is, anymore, half the time.

Heston is equally afraid he is losing his own appreciable mind. He's coming to recognize that he is the fulfillment of Queen Tara's prophecy for her own resurrection in a later age. As before, those near and dear to him are dying, paving his way to become Tara's new prophet, and Heston is beginning to think the ancient Egyptian magic has more going for it than any of his own modern science. The problem is, it appears his daughter may have to die to fulfill the prophecy...

This movie was one whole star better, before the releasing studio completely reshot its ending. What was a clever conclusion became instead more heavy-handed and far less satisfying, and even somewhat comical. It also occasionally suffers from a bit of heavy-handedness in direction, inadvertently turning some melodramatic moments into humorous ones.

However, the production itself is superior. Maurice Binder did the stylish opening credit sequence. Robert H. Solo produced, almost contemporaneously with his excellent version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The excellent Claude Bolling score is eerie and romantic, and sometimes reminiscent of The Omen, as is the manner in which the numerous ugly accidental deaths occur. The performances are generally quite good, especially Zimbalist, who is fresh and charming. The cinematography and location shooting are breathtakingly beautiful.

This second filming of Bram Stoker's The Jewel of the Seven Stars is overall more commendable than not, especially for fans of horror films - The Omen especially, which the movie in many ways resembles - or of Egyptian settings and trappings.


A classic   November 8, 2005
Ben T. (San Jose, CA)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

"The Awakening" isn't a summer blockbuster; it was never meant to be. This is a story about an archaeologist trying to break ground despite being the 17 millionth person studying ancient Egypt. He is a believer and his passion consumes him. He is also not a perfect man. He is a man of science who's work defines his whole being. This is why I think the audience may have a hard time warming up to him.
I don't like to give details in my reviews. What this story has to offer is a realistic horror film. Even though there are virtually no special effects, we are still drawn in to a world of silent malevolence.
This is not a "slasher" film. There is much weight given to suspicious happenings and ancient curses that frankly, makes this story much more creepy. There is virtually nothing offered in the movie that I couldn't see actually happening. Not that I believe in curses, but you never know, there are things in the universe that you don't want to piss off. Leave them alone, you may live longer.
Some have said that is story is "slow". Yes. It is a drama. It's trying to weave a tale for you that is intelligent, thoughtful and if you're willing sit and be invested in the story, it may scare you more than Freddy Kruger ever could.


Awake and Watching   November 5, 2000
Susan Waszak (Chattanooga, Tennessee United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

The spirit of a dead, evil Egyptian queen reincarnates as the daughter of an archeologist. "The Awakening" is a tantilizing thrill ride complete with incest, betrayal, and murder. A young Stephanie Zimbalist gives an eerie performance as the young innocent daughter who tries to combat the demon within her.


Great ending scene   May 30, 2000
Jim of Oz (Freeland, MI United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is one of my favorite horror films. Stephanie Zimbalist plays the part of Heston's daughter who is possessed by an ancient and evil -- of course it's evil - spirit from Egypt. The typical evil Egyption queen. I really like it towards the end where she is fully possessed and goes after ol' Chuck. I will agree it's not up to the class of Moses, but then again, it never planned on it. I really like it a lot.


Better than given credit for   April 6, 2005
Mitchell A. Ward (Abydos, Egypt)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I saw this movie in the theater. It's entertaining and certainly not as bad as some critics say. Especially the references to magic which is real and Egypt was/is the font of all true magic. How can anyone doubt when looking at the pyramids and other Egyptian wonders?