Loch Ness * (1996, Ted Danson, Joely Richardson, Ian Holm, Harris Yulin, James Frain, Keith Allen) – Classic Movie Review 4689

Despite all the personable Ted Danson’s valiant efforts as an American scientist investigating the Scottish loch and rumours of Nessie’s existence, director John Henderson’s vapid 1996 British family fantasy romantic comedy-drama never really comes to life.

Without going either the nice ET or the nasty Thing route, John Fusco’a screenplay does not proceed with sufficient conviction. A cheap-looking production includes a cardboard-looking monster. Kids will know better than to give this more than a few minutes of their time. Danson’s romance with a very non-Scottish Joely Richardson is a non-starter. It is a naff film all round, with no magic in the air. Brigadoon is better any day.

Also in the interesting cast are Ian Holm, Harris Yulin, James Frain, Keith Allen, Nick Brimble, Kristy Graham, Harry Jones, Philip O’Brien, Joseph Greig, John Dair, John Verea, Julian Curry, Roger Sloman, Brian Pettifer, John Savident, Richard Vernon and Edward Hibbert.

It is made by Working Title, released by PolyGram, shot by Clive Tickner, produced by Tim Bevan and Stephen Ujlaki, scored by Trevor Jones and designed by Sophie Becher.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4689

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