Review of The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

It's a little corny and somewhat overlong, but a sweet sensibility and stirring adventure scenes make "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep" a welcome gift for anyone looking to keep kids entertained over the holidays.

Emily Watson plays Anne MacMorrow, a single mother living in Scotland during World War II. Her husband was killed in action, but their son, Angus (Alex Etel), is unable to acknowledge this tragedy. Instead, he spends his time playing alone at nearby Lake (or Loch) Ness, where he finds an odd egg that soon hatches a water horse - the legendary creature of Scottish myth.

Angus puts his new pet, whom he names Crusoe, in his bathtub. But Crusoe begins growing at an alarming rate, and it's not easy keeping him hidden. Making matters worse, the house has been taken over by Scottish troops, whose nasty commander, Capt. Hamilton (David Morrissey), is trying to get in good with Anne.

Aside from his sister (Priyanka Xi), Angus' only ally is Lewis (Ben Chaplin), the new handyman. He convinces Angus to set Crusoe free in the lake, but they regret this decision almost immediately, when Capt. Hamilton declares Crusoe a monster that must be destroyed.

In another season, it might be tempting to criticize the film's awkward flashback structure, or the fact that the script leans a little too heavily on predictable charm.

But this isn't the week to be Scrooge-like. Etel is a likable young actor, while Chaplin adds a nicely gruff presence. The computer-animated water horse is adorable as a baby and imposing when it grows to dragon-like full size. Best of all, the rousing action scenes, while too scary for young children, should thrill older kids.