While his father's away in WWII, young Scotsman Angus (Alex Etel of "Millions") discovers an egg that hatches a baby monster--it looks like a dragon and slides across the floor like a walrus—who Angus befriends and names Crusoe. Emily Watson plays Angus' mom, Ben Chaplin is a handyman who takes to Angus' spirit and Brian Cox (who else?) narrates the tale in the present day.
Big question: Is this adaptation of a book about a mystical being at least better than the last one, the pathetic dragon flick "Eragon"?
Skip it: The quality effects will have you thinking that maybe the Loch Ness monster is real, but that doesn't mean you'll be happy to see Crusoe burping or being chased around by a dog. "The Water Horse" succeeds when it focuses on a lonely boy who's a devoted friend, but it spends too much time on dull shenanigans by military men and sound effects of the screech-knock-bang variety.
Catch it: If you want to learn a lesson when it comes to hunting for huge sea creatures. As a couple foolish fishermen find out, you don't land them—they land you!
Bottom line: Etel is perfect, confirming that he's a kid whose chops can stand up to both CGI creatures and veterans like Watson. The young actor can't save the movie, but he does blow most other child actors out of the water.
Bonus: You'll feel better about your pooch's bad habits when you see Crusoe gnawing on Angus' father's boots. What is it with pets and footwear?!
mpais@tribune.com
(2 ratings)
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