From book to movie and still a good story.

The Water Horse Legend of the Deep is a very well written movie. The movie was first a book by Dick King-Smith that kept your attention and interest. Robert Nelson Jacobs is the writer or the movie script which also keeps you attention. The movie is rated PG and I think it is safe for kids of all ages as well as adults that like a good adventure. The Water Horse runs 112 minutes and I wish it was longer that is how good it was.

The story is not about the Loc Nes Monster but about a mythical creature called Water Horse. It seems that this creature is always alone. One Water Horse is born when one Water Horse dies. That sounds so sad but the movie makes it so wonderful. This movie is set back during World War II in Scotland. The MacMorrow family has lost a family member to the war and are adjusting to change. The military decide to station part of the 12th artillery regiment at Lord Killin's estate. It was a surprise to Mrs. MacMorrow when all these men showed up.

Emily Watson plays Anne MacMorrow the mother of two children and head housekeeper of Lord Killin's estate. She has lost her husband in the war but has not found a way to tell her young son about it yet.

Priyanka Xi plays Kirstie MacMorrow the daughter of Anne and older sister to Angus. She is a very lovely young lady who is trying to help her brother adjust to their father not being around.

Louis Owen Collins plays young Angus MaMorrow. The story is mostly about this little boys adventures with his new found friend. The boy is lonely and misses his father terribly but has not found a way to deal with his sorrow. He is also very afraid of the water but his new friend will help him get over that fact quickly.

Ben Chaplin plays Lewis Mowbray. Lewis comes to the estate to work for Mrs. MacMorrow. He is the handy man and he is given the work shop where her husband spent a lot of time with Angus for his place to live. Lewis had a real chip on his shoulder when he started work because he had seen a lot of death and just wanted to be alone. He will find a friend in Angus MacMorrow and a bond that will be hard to break.

Brian Cox plays Old Angus. This is the first Angus you will meet in the movie. You see he is the one telling the story to two tourists that are very interesting in The Water Horse legend.

David Morrissey plays Captain Hamilton. Captain Hamilton is the commander of the 12th artillery. He will take a liking to Mrs. MacMorrow and try to give Angus some guidance. However, he seems a little strong armed when it comes to the boy. He tries to make him into one of his soldier and it will have an unhappy ending.

You will also meet a rather rough looking English Bulldog. This dog doesn't like the little critter that is the Water Horse. He will chase the Water Horse around and try to bite him. You will find the scenes with the Bulldog in it very funny because the dog will run through the house during a dinner party and throw food all over the guests and floor. It is a site to see as the dog goes one way and the food the other.

As for the cute Water Horse well what can I say the animation creating this little critter is great. The Water Horse is a very pretty critter and not scary at all. The Water Horse will grow very quickly. You see the little guy in a trash can of water one minute then in the bathtub and last he will have to be put in the Loc because he will out grow all the other options.

I think my favorite part is when the Water Horse grows to full size and it attacking the soldier who are trying to kill it. The Water Horse or Crusoe as Angus calls him was shaking one of the soldiers like a rag doll when Angus feel into the deep water. Crusoe threw the soldier aside and dived to catch Angus. Once Angus was brought up he had to have all the water pushed out of his lungs but he survived.

My Opinion:

I have to say I would recommend this movie to one and all. There is lots of action as well as laughter. The special effects that bring The Water Horse or Crusoe to life is amazing. I found that Crusoe was not scary but very loving and cute as well. I enjoyed this movie so much that I had to buy it for my collection. I paid $7.50 for it at Hollywood Video however, this movie is available at many retail stores as well.