“The Water Horse — Legend of the Deep,” based on Dick King-Smith’s novel, offers an explanation of the Loch Ness Monster. King-Smith also wrote “The Sheep Pig,” the basis for “Babe.”
In a Scottish pub, an older man (Brian Cox) spins a tale for tourists, the tale of young Angus (Alex Etel), who found an egg outside Loch Ness during World War II.
The egg hatches into a small dinosaur-like creature, which Angus names Crusoe. The secret of Crusoe is endangered when soldiers are sent to the estate on which Angus lives, ostensibly to defend Scotland from possible German attack.
Angus, missing his father who was called off to war, eventually bonds with the new handyman, Lewis Mobray (Ben Chaplin), who helps Angus keep the secret. But as Crusoe grows, hiding the animal — which Lewis believes is a mystical “water horse” — around the estate becomes all but impossible.
They move the creature to the loch, unaware that the soldiers’ war games may endanger the creature.
Once aware of the danger, Angus and Lewis attempt to save Crusoe.
“The Water Horse” is nicely shot but a little slow. For those who enjoy Scottish scenery and fable, “The Water Horse” is a family-friendly take on a well-known legend.
– Matt Price