If you don't mind a ridiculous plot, can get past bad acting, have money to waste and no problem suspending reality, you might enjoy Dragon Wars (aka D-War).

If you've been waiting for an outstanding dragon movie, I'm afraid you'll have to keep waiting. Dragon Wars (also known as D-War) ain't it. That is, if you define "outstanding" as a movie you enjoy, don't mind spending your hard-earned money on, and that you can recommend to your friends without a guilty conscience.

Dragon Wars, a Korean-made sci-fi fantasy feature employing mainly American actors, centers around the following...ahem....plot. A 19-year old LA woman (Amanda Brooks) with a dragon tattoo on her shoulder is actually the reincarnated spirit of a medieval Asian girl named Narin with the power to transform a giant serpent into an eternal, celestial dragon. Stay with me now.

Every 500 years, such a girl is born, and the two remaining dragons (one good and one evil) vie for her sacrifice and thus eternal power. Well, the 16th century Asian woman Narin is entrusted to the care of a young warrior, Haram, who must guard her and then bring her to the good dragon for her sacrifice. But, alas, they fall in love and he declines to fulfill his "destiny."

The evil dragon then hunts the two lovers to their death, but is unable to gain Narin's life force. The two dragons must wait another 500 years - which, yes, brings us to the present time.

Cut to the 21st century, where we have blonde-haired Sarah Daniels as the reincarnated Narin becoming chillingly but vaguely aware of "bad things about to happen" and the reincarnated Haram, a news reporter named Ethan (Jason Behr), who must find her. Oh, and for good measure, Haram's warrior-mentor is also back.......as an antiques dealer.

The plot is cliche-ridden, painfully contrived, and frustratingly disjointed. The editing is terrible. The acting.....well....it leaves a lot to be desired. Worse than all that, this is a movie that takes itself way too seriously, given its material.

That leaves us with one strength, one good thing the movie has going for it -- CGI-enhanced special effects action sequences. We are treated to some impressive eye candy in this film, including a Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back reminiscent attack on a peaceful, medieval Asian city (which surprisingly does have quite a few cannon) set in the 16th century and then later a fun-filled battle between the US Army (tanks and helicopters galore) against mythical warriors, mini-dragons, and one enormous snake. Oh, and this battle is set in streets of LA.

There's only one problem. This movie proves that if you don't connect with the characters and appreciate the storyline, all the fancy special effects won't salvage the film. It's all just a mindless sound and light show that left me more frustrated and anxious than satisfied.

If you don't mind wasting a little money and can get past a bad plot with bad acting, then perhaps Dragon Wars is worth a trip to the theater. Otherwise, save your money and your time.