These days the horror film is practically a bankrupt genre...

Barker's visual side dominates its literary equivalent this time out, resulting in a time-killer that may amuse fans until illusion is shattered by the rolling of the end credits.

Barker, who directed as well as wrote, establishes an effective rhythm in these scenes, and Bakula finds just the right note to play them.

Barker is ambitious with this tale of violent magic and noir-ish adventuring, but he's not skilled in the art of storytelling this time, preferring to transform the bizarreness of the material into a leaden viewing experience.