Amazon.co.uk
Stunning computer-generated special effects are the main selling point of
Dragon Wars, a Korean-made fantasy about ancient monsters wreaking havoc in modern Los Angeles. The complex plot, based on legend, pits an evil serpent and its demonic army against a young woman (Amanda Brooks) who is the reincarnation of a young woman imbued with the heaven-sent power to transform the creature into an all-powerful dragon. Jason Behr (
The Grudge) is the reporter who discovers that he too is a reincarnated warrior bound to prevent Brooks and her power from falling into the wrong hands. The elaborate premise isn't helped by the script, which delivers absurd dialogue and situations with child-like naivete. Thankfully, the presence of Robert Forster (as another reincarnated hero) and solid actors like Elizabeth Pena, Craig Robinson and Chris Mulkey, help smooth over the frequent moments of unintentional humour. But this won't matte! r much to fantasy fans and (especially) younger viewers, who will tune in for the film's riot of special effects. Director Shim Hyung-rae and his talented team offer scene after scene of exceptional CGI creations, most notably an aerial dogfight between helicopters and winged lizards in the skies above downtown L.A., and a climactic battle which makes good on the title's promise. The DVD includes a making-of featurette which outlines Shim's four-year struggle to complete the project, as well as storyboard galleries and an animatics display.
-- Paul Gaita END
Synopsis
East meets West, and ancient myth meets modernity in this creature feature from Korean director Hyung Rae Shim (REPTILIAN). A TV news reporter (Jason Behr, SKINWALKERS), an antiques dealer (Robert Forster, FIREWALL), and a beautiful young woman (Amanda Brooks) all play a role in an old Korean legend coming to life. A giant snake is slithering its way through the streets of Los Angeles, and the trio must keep it from reuniting with an ancient spirit that will turn it into an evil, even more destructive dragon. DRAGON WARS is a throwback to classic monster movies, but this time around, there are much better special effects than audiences saw in those films from both Japan and the U.S. DRAGON WARS follows hot on the heels of fellow Korean monster movie THE HOST and features an impressive amount of action, as well as incorporating nods to creature feature favourites such as KING KONG and GODZILLA.