Loch Ness

I like this movie. It maybe be lukewarm and saccharine as everyone else thinks, but it is far superior to all those Fifties and Sixties lake monster pics. Ted Danson does a wonderful acting job outside of "Cheers" and the special effects are magical. the whole production has a rather Disney feel to it as it makes you believe in magic and takes a different realistic view of one of the world's biggest mysteries. This movie does the same thing "Harry And The Hendersons" did for Bigfoot.

This movie can be enjoyed as long as you are prepared to accept the plot for what it is - A far fetched romantic tale to well the tears in your eyes and make you think "Awww... isn't that sweet" The plot as far as the actual "Beastie of the Loch" is far-fetched enough without stretching the bounds or reality with the love story.

Being far-fetched does not, however, mean that this movie is not worth watching. I actually quite enjoyed it, and was able to watch along with a young family without having to cringe at foul language or blatant sex scenes. Take this movie for what it is - family entertainment. The kids will live the monster storyline and the special effects, the romantic among us will sniffle at the course of true love, and the others will probably find this to be a fairly average, fairly entertaining way to spend 90 minutes or so of your time.

Dempsey (Ted Danson) is a sort of photojournalist of the weird happenings on planet earth. Having fallen on somewhat hard times, he, nevertheless, is reluctant to attempt his next assignment. The boss directs him to Scotland, where he is to use modern technology to PROVE once and for all that there is no Nessie Monster. There is no real choice but for Dempsey to get on a plane. When he lands, he almost drives over a pretty local lady, Laura (Joely Richardson). In short order, he finds out that she has the only rooming house and, after some begging, she lets him a room. Also in the house is her beautiful young daughter, Isabella (Kirsty Graham). Of all of the Scots, Izzy is the most welcoming to Dempsey. Hiring a boat and crew, Dempsey begins his exploration. This greatly displeases the bailiff (Ian Holm) but the lawman can do little to stop the efforts. As time goes on, no monster does appear, so Dempsey is soon ready to go back to the States. However, one day, Izzy reveals some secrets, big ones. Also, Laura, despite her outward dislike for Dempsey, may, in fact, be attracted to the brash American. Is there romance ahead? First, this film has a terrific setting, the beautiful country around Loch Ness. If you always wishes to go to Scotland but, have little money and big flying anxieties, you will be enchanted with the view. Then, the main actors are quite good, with Danson doing a variation of his smug humor and Richardson looking great and sporting a fine accent. Holm, Graham and all of the others support them nicely. The production also features fine costumes, an arresting script, gorgeous photography and a steady direction. In short, look for Loch, you fans of romance and family-friendly features. It's lovely.

Okay, it's not exciting but it's still a great film - ideal for 'pleasent' viewing. The cast are brilliant, especially Joley Richardson and Kirsty Graham as mother and daughter - although it is a little unfair to imply that these two alone make the film watchable; others (Ted Danson, Ian Holm, & James Frain) really do help to make this a great film. The story is slow and gentle, making it great for a quiet viewing session. The special effects are limited which allows for the storyline to show through and, even though the end is a little predictable, It's still good to watch right through to Rod Stewart's brilliant closing song. Go for it, I watch it over and over when the mood takes.

Why would Aaron Fleming of Northern Ireland throw up at this movie? My theory is that you never had a warm childhood Aaron and nothing magical has ever happened in your life. It wasn't made for viewers such as yourself. I think TRAINSPOTTING might be more your line.

I'd go further than saying that Ted Danson was "good" in this - it is by far his best movie (with the possible exception of GETTING EVEN WITH DAD). As discredited, financially strapped and harrassed Dr Dempsey, Danson is bundled off to Loch Ness to disprove Nessie's existence. Not only does he fail in his task, but he finds something even yet more unlikely - the unconditional love of a little girl and her innkeeper mother played with feisty gusto by Joley Richardson. I would defy any true romantic to withhold a tear at the end of this movie...easily one of the most touching films of all time. Proof if such be needed that one can make a beautiful family movie with not a single swear word or offensive scene.

The very briefly glimpsed "beastie" is heart-warmingly portrayed, never more so than during the closing credits to a backdrop of Rod Stewart's "Rivers of My Heart." Veteran Ian Holm just about steals the show as the Laird and "keeper" of the secret. The scene on the bus when he opens up Dr Dempsey's envelope is worth the price of the theater ticket alone!

Saccharine? manipulative? unrealistic? Yeah? well so was ET!