I've seen 11 movies in theaters in the past week. I guess now I'm going to have to catch at least one more before I leave for Guatemala in a few days.

I'm bettin' that if ya've got the time Dude, that you'll groove on it...

B/B+


I would actually recommend the people to catch this film on DVD. I saw it in theatres and came out liking it more than I expected. First of all, let me say that this was much better than The Golden Compass and it's a shame it ended up disappointing at the box-office.

On the one hand, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep, set in the backdrop of WWII in Scotland is a well-done kids fantasy flick which is entertaining and exhibits some of the old-school fantasy charm. On the other hand, it is also a nice parable about the terror of the war, the losses it brings and the futility of it. The acting is solid all-around, even the kid in the leading role is actually okay. The CGI effects were surprisingly top notch and it's too bad they weren't considered for any kinds of awards. Crusoe was an excellent digital creation. The movie might be a tad too long for its own good and I felt like Crusoe grew up way too fast and was released into the wild way too early into the film, leaving us with the adult Crusoe for most of it. The rest is well-done, though. Kids can watch this film, but it's the older ones and the adults that will realize that's it's not just about the mythical creature that is now known as Nessie. The film is sweet and innocent at times and rather heavy at others. There is actually one rather sad scene of the goodbye too.

The ending is rather tacky and wasn't too needed (with another boy finding an egg), but I could live with that. The story leading up to it is worth it. It's a smarter and better movie that most would give it credit for. Check it out!

THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP - 8/10 (B+)

Great family entertainment! This was a very moving story. I shed a few tears, and would have broke down bawling had a certain something happened .

This is another in a string of family movies that look like they could be silly and kiddish but end up being very well-done and better than one would expect.

I was sure I'd enjoy The Water Horse, and I did. Though it didn't exceed my expectations or anything. Solid adaptation and a solid mild fantasy movie.

B+

7/10 -> B-

It's a wonderful movie. Unfortunately the story is a bit weak. Angus' mother's love interests are completely underdeveloped and I feel like the angle of Angus waiting for his father and the potential new stepfathers should've been played stronger. The Angus-Crusoe relationship was great. I shed a tear or two at the end. But it feels like there's something missing. I was kinda reminded of Pan's Labyrinth. At their basic the two movies are quite similar.

BTW the special effects are great.

D

What an absolutely turgid film in every sense.
The actors are weak, the script is weaker, the casting ranges from bad to awful, there is never a moment you give a shit about any of the characters, the Water Horse itself is like some sort of scary seapig creature and generally its difficult to give a fuck.

Scotland looks nice enough in the background though.

why did you watch this, michael.?

Because i love the highlands and wanted to see how scotland was represented.
I also do enjoy family films if they are well made, but this one just was a piece of shit.

By the way it featured some horrifyingly bad Scottish accents too as well as some really bland performances, I felt sorry for the Emily Watson who was surrounded by horribly mis-cast actors and seemed the only one really trying to invest anything to her role.

Oh and to whomever called this better than The Golden Compass, i'd ask them if they are still sticking to that bandwagon. TGC was not a masterpiece, but it was certainly head and shoulders above this trash.

Yes.

EPIC FILM VIEWER FAIL

EPIC MICHAEL FAIL!

YOU CANNOT HAVE A MICHAEL FAIL
IT IS NOT LIFE POSSIBLE.