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Jay Russell, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

by Kathryn Durfee
12/28/2007

For years, stories and photographs of a mysterious sea creature believed to be residing in Scotland's world-famous Loch Ness have circulated around the world. I have visited the Loch on two separate occasions, each time hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary creature myself. So far, no luck. Perhaps the third time's the charm. But until I can venture back to the rugged hills of Scotland, this Christmas' best family film, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, will satisfy me.

It's World War II, and little Angus MacMorrow (Alex Etel) is waiting for his father to return from the fight. While collecting shells by the shore one day, he discovers a magical egg, brings it home, and places it in his father's workshop. That evening, it hatches into a slippery pliosaur-type critter with a big appetite. Enter Lewis Mowbray (Ben Chaplin), the new handyman hired by Angus's mother (Emily Watson). He moves into the workshop, forcing Angus to relocate his secret pet, named Crusoe, to an upstairs bath. When Lewis discovers the creature, he immediately realizes that it is the rare water horse of Scottish lore. We learn the legend: only one water horse can exist at a time. Before it dies, it lays an egg, so the next creature is born an orphan.

Trouble arises from Crusoe's persistent growth spurts; he doubles in size every few days, quickly outgrowing the bathtub. Lewis and Angus decide to set Crusoe free in the Loch. Once there, the sightings begin. Meanwhile, the house has become the temporary barracks for a battalion of soldiers ordered to protect the gateway to the Loch from German invasion. The unit commander Capt. Hamilton (David Morrissey) believes that this will be the site of the first landing of German U-boats. It is more likely, however, that he took this assignment to avoid actual combat. He and his men have set up guns and artillery all along the Loch. While there, Hamilton attempts to court Angus's mother and instill a sense of discipline in Angus. In the end, everyone gets what they deserve, even that pesky little dog.

The story, based on a book by Dick-King Smith (the author of Babe), is not full of surprises or twists. There are good guys, there are bad guys, and there is a gentle creature that is misunderstood and must be protected. And then we have Angus, a boy who not only must face his deathly fear of the deep but must also come to terms with the fact that his father might not be coming home.

Director Jay Russell (My Dog Skip) delivers a departure from the typical family film: just because it's a kids' movie doesn't mean it has to be dumbed down. The whole family can enjoy this one. Older members of the audience will appreciate the in-jokes surrounding the mysterious history of the Loch and the monster while the kids can laugh at the burp jokes and disastrous chase scene between Crusoe and the cook's dog.

The acting is, for the most part, top-notch. A few parts are a little exaggerated, but come on, it's a kid's movie in which actors are frequently working opposite a computer-generated sea monster. We can cut them a little slack. Young Etel with his adorable Scottish accent carries the film well. Chaplin's Mowbray is threatening at first but eventually becomes a friend and father figure for Angus. Emily Watson does well with a limited role. Aside from a few emotional moments, she seems to spend the majority of the film walking around the house carrying and collecting tea towels.

Filmed in New Zealand, a near-perfect foil for northern Scotland, The Water Horse features beautiful scenery and fantastic special effects. There are the perfunctory shots of Eilean Donan Castle, Castle Stalker, and Castle Urquhart, but the remainder of the film is undeniably Middle Earth. The CGI is a little too good, actually -- some segments of the film may border on frightening for young eyes.

My only complaint for the film is the sound. Mixed at Park Road Post, the same studio that did post for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the soundtrack is often cacophonous and overwhelming. On several occasions, I found myself cringing at the sheer volume (quantity-wise) and intensity of the sound effects, which detracted from the overall experience. But, this of course can be solved by lowering the volume on the future DVD.

The Water Horse is ultimately an intelligent and heartwarming film that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With dazzling photography, magical special effects, and good acting (a rare treat in a kid's movie), this film is one of the year's best PG features, just in time for Christmas. If I ever find myself on the banks of Loch Ness again, I may be tempted to call out, "Crusoe! Come!"