DVD : The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep [Blu-ray] [2008] [US Import] [2007]

Rating: - A nice film for all the family
This film was not my first choice, and it was presented as being for kids, but finally my wife and I enjoyed it nevertheless.
The movie is set in Scotland during the 2nd would war. A young lad Angus (Alex Etel) finds an egg on the beach, and surprise surprise it hatches into an odd looking little creature (the star of the movie christened Crusoe). We see Angus's older sister Kirstie (Priyanka Xi) let into the secret, and his mother Anne (Emily Watson) kept out of it. We see the British army appear to "protect" the locals in the middle of nowhere (Loch Ness) commanded by the usual arrogant chinless wonder Capt. Hamilton (David Morrissey). We see the "hero" Lewis Mowbray (Ben Chaplin) appear as the handyman, and he quickly learns about the existence of the "monster", not surprising since it doubles in size daily. In no time at all Crusoe is "hidden" in the local Loch, but this is not the end of the story. After a number of close shaves, which make up a major part of the film, Crusoe (now the size of a small house) makes it to the open seas.
The characters are all well played, and there is nothing "dark" in this film, even the "baddy" Capt. Hamilton helps Crusoe escape. Crusoe is extremely well created, and I was reminded of the way ET managed to create sympathy with the audience, human-like expressions and all.
I read one critic say that the film does not insult the intelligence of the audience - this is true, but it still remains very much on well trodden ground for family entertainment.
Overall a nice film, and one that kids will appreciate, and my wife loved it.