The Water Horse

Two travelers stumble across a picture of the Loch Ness Monster in a pub. When the young lady comments on it, her boyfriend says it's a fake. An old man agrees, but offers to tell them a story. The story is about a young man, Angus MacMorrow (Axel Etel) in a Scottish Manor House during World War II.

Angus' mother, Anne (Emily Watson) is the House Keeper. They live with a Skelton crew and Kirstie, (Priyanka Xi) Angus' sister.

Angus has a fear fascination with the water; he loves collecting shells and flotsam from the tide pools, but refuses to go swimming.

One day, he finds something strange in a pool, something about the size and shape of a (American) football. He takes it home. It turns out to be an egg, what hatches is a tiny little plesiosaur. He names it Crusoe, after Robinson.

The next day the manor is invaded, by the royal army. They are to be billeted in the manor while they are preparing to mount a defense against German submarines penetrating Loch Ness. The Captain, Thomas Hamilton (David Morrissey) takes interest in Anne and her family.

There follows several humorous scenes of a young boy trying to keep a pet a secret. It reminds me of my days at boarding school and a baby possum. Also, Crusoe gains an archenemy, the army cook's bulldog, Churchill.

The next member to join this montage is Lewis Mowbray, (Ben Chaplin.) the new handyman. Mowbray eventually finds out about the creature, joining Angus and Kirstie in their conspiracy to keep the beasty a secret. He also remembers legends of the Water Horse, a creature so rare, there is only one at time.

Crusoe grows at an astonishing rate. Soon, they have no choice but to turn him loose, when he reaches the size of a pony. So they set him in the loch. There are several sightings of the Monster, and so the locals are now searching for him. But the real problems start when the army starts testing their anti submarine guns.

Will they shoot Crusoe? Will he be discovered? Will the Captain woo Mrs. MacMorrow? Will Mrs. MacMorrow woo Mowbray? Will the Germans invade Loch Ness? Will Churchill get what is coming to him?

This is a fun little movie. It is sweet and charming with plenty of action, but no horror. Even the wee ones can watch it. There is a subtle message about acceptance, both of differences and of the inevitable.

The scenery is wonderful, and the special effects are spot on. Crusoe is very believable. So are the actors. A special nod to young Master Etel upon whom so much rested, and who did such a good job.

This in not deathless cinema, but it is a cute little movie, and sure to be a favorite with the kids. And its one you can let them watch, unsupervised.