Cast: Emily Watson, Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey, Brian Cox

Dir: Jay Russell

Rating: 3.5/5

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster comes to DVD with the release of The Water Horse Legend of the Deep, based on the novel by Babe author Dick King-Smith.

Set in Scotland during World War II, Angus (Alex Etel), a young boy, discovers an unusual egg at Loch Ness.

When the egg hatches to reveal a dinosaur-like creature, Angus finds that he has a unique pet--a mythical "water horse," which he names Crusoe.

Complicating matters are Crusoe's fast growth rate and soldiers stationed near the lake, factors that make it very tricky to keep the friendly creature a secret.

Angus and the creature, who he names Crusoe, soon form a strong bond of friendship, and Angus begins an extraordinary journey of discovery, protecting a secret that gives birth to a legend.

You really can't go wrong with this family movie a story that nicely intertwines a mystical legend with real life issues of childhood angst, missing a parent and the drama and uncertainty of wartime.

Alex Etel is just superb an the troubled Angus, who desperately misses his father who has gone off to war, and the young actor makes light work of the CGI elements involved in his role effortlessly making the audience believe that the Water Horse is a living, breathing creature rather than a computer generated effect.

He is surrounded by a very talented supporting British cast of David Morrissey, Emily Watson and Ben Chaplin all produce solid performances without being pushed.

The CGI is also excellent as the computer effects are seamlessly woven into the live action. Crusoe becomes a real character with a true attachment to Angus that the audience really cares about his future.

But the film's real plus point is it doesn't talk down to it's child audience and with the different strands of the story; a lonely boy, a missing father, a handyman scarred by war and the introduction to the British military it is quite sophisticated.

It also tackles subjects like loneliness that many children will be able to relate to.

In all it's a fun filled family movie that looks great, will keep the children entertained and won't send the adults to sleep.

The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is out now on DVD.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw