4/20/08

Charmed by 'Nessie' movie


As a Brit' it's hard not to have spent time in my life occasionally wondering whether there really is an undiscovered creature deep in Loch Ness. After all it's one of the great legends of the world we have all grown up hearing. Just recently I had a couple of 2nd graders tell me they want to be scientists so they can go to Scotland and find the Loch Ness monster!

There have been many Hollywood films about the legend of Loch Ness over the years, but few have been as charming as The Water Horse - Legend of the Deep

This is adapted from the famous book 'The Water Horse' by Dick King-Smith. It bases the story in 1930's Scotland against the backdrop of war, with the discovery of an egg by a young boy and his sister on a beach. The egg hatches and they raise the surprising offspring in their workshop and then the bath, until it rapidly outgrows both and has to be moved to the loch.

The movie actually focuses far more on the younger brother, making it his discovery and it explores his need for something to love as his own with his father away at war. The casting is excellent and includes some first rate British actors with Brian Cox, Ben Chaplin (a longtime Brit' Gal hottie!), Emily Watson and David Morrissey. Young Angus is played by newcomer child actor Alex Etel, who Brit's will recognise from the huge BBC TV hit Cranford.

This movie owes alot to CGI special effects and as a result 'Nessie' known as Crusoe in this version is very loveable, cute and believable. The locations in Scotland are also stunning and will be a wonderful boost for the Scottish Tourist Board. We don't have young children to watch this with, but we both really enjoyed it alot. It keeps you glued to the TV, makes you laugh out loud in parts and you can't help but bond with the boy and the Water Horse.

The Hubster commented that it was nice to watch a movie for once that had no violence, bloodshed, language, bad acting or inane humour. You could say well that's what you have on your Netflix list, but to be honest how many movies these days don't have one of these in them somewhere?

So if you enjoy watching a thoroughly charming bit of well acted escapism occasionally, or have a children of any age, we would highly recommend this movie.

8 comments:

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

I've had this one in my queue for a couple of weeks, hoping to get it soon. So glad you liked it, that bodes well :)

Have a great day!

Vickie said...

I love this movie! Lady K and I went to see it at the show, then I bought it the day it came out on DVD. I have a hewgah crush on Ben Chaplin, too, from The Truth About Cats and Dogs flick.

Diggin' the new look of your blog page.

Rhea said...

My kiddos enjoyed this movie. It was definitely a cute take on the usual legend.

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Haven't seen this one yet but will add it to my list. BTW, Sarah, I made a trip to Kohls today and picked up a couple pair of the Vanity Fairs. :~)

Teresa said...

Thanks for the movie review. I have seen this at Wal-Mart, and wondered if I should spend the money on it. Looks like I will be now. I have a few escape movie. One of them is the 1996 version of Loch Ness with Ted Danson, Ian Holm and Joely Richardson. I love to curl up and watch that one, and I am guessing I will enjoy this too. I really like the legend of Nessie and Loch Ness. I always have. :-)

Anonymous said...

I love the trailer to this film so I feel like I would enjoy the movie. I love to snuggle up with my Grands with a bowl of salty popcorn and a good movie.

I'm going to have to check into this Netflix.

Linda Jennings said...

8 year old AJ loved this movie so much that we will be staying 2 nights at a B&B on Loch Ness. Can't wait!

Teresa said...

I like most anything that is "Nessie" related. This movie is no exeption. It is a warm and tender movie. I am eager to watch it with my grand children. Three of my grandchildren have their daddy in Iraq, right now. Of the two girls and one boy, it has been hardest on my grandson so I think I may give her a heads up not to watch it with them until he gets home. But oh my, I loved this movie! Thanks for the recommendation, Sarah!