Essentially a big-budget B-movie, "Stargate" has the distinction of being the first sci-fi biblical epic.

That is, the film is as much a huge sand-and-sandel yarn as it is a special-effects driven science fiction picture. Think "Star Wars" meets "Ben-Hur."

The story is actually an uncredited extrapolation of the theories of Erich Von Daniken — published in his book "Chariots of the Gods?" — that suggest visitors from outer space laid the foundation for civilization centuries ago.

In an opening scene that may bring "Raiders of the Lost Ark" to mind, the film begins in 1928 with an archaeological dig, which uncovers a huge, mysterious circular object in an Egyptian excavation. Then the action shifts to the present day, as Army intelligence is finally close to unlocking the object's secrets.

The oversize ring with strange markings is revealed to be a portal to another world, and when a civilian Egyptologist (James Spader) is brought in to help, he uncovers the final key to what he calls a "Star-gate."

Meanwhile, suicidal colonel Kurt Russell is also brought in to lead a team of armed soldiers through the stargate . . . and he has an unexpected and dangerous agenda.

Once they step into the stargate, Spader, Russell and the troops find themselves on a planet that is millions of light years from Earth. From what we see, it is one large sand dune, and when they arrive, they find themselves inside a pyramid.

A bit of travel turns up this planet's version of Egyptian slave labor, and the workers initially worship Spader as a god. Eventually, however, Russell and Spader will lead the slaves in revolt against their persecutor, an androgynous alien (Jaye Davidson, the Oscar-nominated actor from "The Crying Game") who rules with an iron fist.

There are flying warships, odd animals and electrical special effects, but in essence the bulk of the film is more like "Lawrence of Arabia" than "Star Trek" . . . without the character development.

Russell is strictly one-note as a steely eyed, emotionless Army officer. But Spader creates a wonderfully sincere, absent-minded professor type. It's a pleasure to see Spader playing something other than yuppie scum, and he shows real leading-man potential here. Unfortunately, there is also a rather weak attempt to inject some romance between Spader and one of the slaves. Meanwhile, Davidson doesn't have much to do but glare and bark orders, with his voice altered to sound more menacing.

"Stargate" does have its moments, however, and boasts a wonderful look, with more extras than we've seen in any movie in years. And there is plenty of gadgetry and eye candy to please sci-fi fans.

"Stargate" is rated PG-13 for considerable violence and mayhem, along with some profanity.