The Water Horse:
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is a 2007 fantasy film directed by Jay Russell. The screenplay, written by screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs, is an adaption of Dick King-Smith’s children’s novel The Water Horse. It stars Alex Etel as a young boy who discovers a mysterious egg and cares for what hatches of it: a ‘water horse’ that becomes the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Emily Watson, Ben Chaplin and David Morrissey also star.
I Saw this movie with my 7 yr old sister today going into the movie with high expectations, this was because i had looked over a few reviews and this movie was one with the 3 – 4 star range. Well all I can say is it went beyond my expectations and I agree with a lot of the reviews that rate it up there with E.T and Free Willy. It was simply wonderful, the story was clever, the acting was refreshing especially from young actor, Alex Etel (Millions), and phenomanal Emily Watson.
As others have noted, the CGI is used as an effective supplement to the story, and never becomes the focal point. Angus’s exhilarating ride atop Crusoe through the Loch (which, in front of a stunning Scottish landscape, is gorgeous on the big screen) quells the boy’s fears, which range from water to the dangers and sadness of the adult world. “The Water Horse” a fantasy that is light and family-friendly, but also carries an important life lesson.
By adventure’s end, Angus learns to let go–of both Crusoe and his father. Kids will like Crusoe’s cuteness and occasional comic relief, but parents will also be fulfilled, as the film is not obnoxiously zany or as drenched with annoying pop culture references as many “family movies” tend to be. Understated and genuine, “The Water Horse” is sure to warm the cockles of any movie-goer’s heart.
All I can say is this is one for all ages.
the workings of a tv/movie nerd. 
Leave a comment