Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that although this movie is geared toward kids, it does include some frightening scenes where the titular water creature attacks the movie's two villains and destroys their submarine with a flick of its tail; it's understood that both men don't survive. Also, these two villains are quite dangerous and don't seem to care about harming others who get in their way. They kidnap a boy, vandalize property, attack a boat full of people with a grenade launcher, and harpoon the monster. The movie also touches on a boy's loss of his mother, establishing that she died two years earlier and her death still affects both father and son. Finally, Mee-Shee is essentially a friendly monster, but it may appear scary at first to younger kids.

Sexual Content

Not applicable.

Violence

A lake monster attacks two villains and destroys their boat in a fiery explosion; their deaths are not shown. A helicopter crashes into a lake; the pilot and passenger are temporarily trapped underwater. Kids fall into a deep hole/cave, but they make it out OK.

Language

The word "hell" is used occasionally, such as in this exchange: "Custer -- that's a hell of a name for an Indian." "My father had a hell of a sense of humor."

Social Behavior

With the exception of two villains, characters generally behave in positive ways. The villains, however, commit a variety of crimes and immoral acts -- from vandalism and assault to kidnapping and possibly attempted murder. A young boy wanders off alone into a dangerous cliff area; he is later lightly reprimanded for his behavior. An otherwise loving father has a somewhat strained relationship with his son, but they develop a closer bond throughout the movie.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable