Taking the legend of the Loch Ness monster out for an engaging ride, "The Water Horse" benefits from a strong sense of time and place, lush photography and committed performances.

The new handyman (Ben Chaplin) tells Angus and his sister (Priyanka Xi) that it may be a mythical Celtic water horse. Angus gains courage as he tries to keep the creature safe.

The Water Horse IIII (out of five stars) Cast: Alex Etel, Priyanka Xi, Emily Watson, David Morrissey, Ben Chaplin Rated: PG for some action/peril, mild language and brief smoking.

Angus's father has long been away with the navy, leaving Angus with his mother, Anne (Emily Watson), the housekeeper at a gorgeous country house, and his older sister, Kirstie (Priyanka Xi).