The New York Times says the domestic blockbuster film "D-War" proves that the movie monster genre is alive and well.

The U.S. daily said in a review of the film Sunday that it's impossible not to be entertained by "D-War," if you have a sense of humor.

Entertainment magazine Variety said that the Korean sci-fi blockbuster took in one-point-55 million dollars in the United States on Friday, the first day of its run in the world's largest movie market.

The movie, made by comedian-turned-film director, Shim Hyung-rae, is being shown on over 22-hundred screens in the U.S.

It stars Hollywood actors in a story about a legendary Korean serpent called "Imoogi" who is fated to be transformed into a dragon that rules the heavens.