Magic in the Water

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Magic in the Water

PG

Released Aug 30, 1995

1h 38m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

21%

Tomatometer

24 Reviews

58%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

On vacation at a beautiful lake in British Columbia, Ashley (Sarah Wayne) and Joshua (Joshua Jackson), the children of workaholic radio host Jack Black (Mark Harmon), learn about its mythical inhabitant, a sea monster named Orky. Soon, the kids learn that Orky is not only real, he's attempting to communicate with humans to warn them that an evil corporation is illegally dumping pollutants into his home. They try to save Orky with the help of an elderly Native American (Frank Sotonoma Salsedo).

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Critics Consensus

There might be Magic in the Water during this family-friendly adventure, but precious little of it ended up on the screen.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

A singularly unconvincing parable, ultimately hamstrung by awkward, choppy storytelling.

May 5, 2014

Full Review

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

On the minus side are a heavy-handed dose of political correctness and a needless flight into dubious whimsy in an already fanciful situation.

May 5, 2014

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

If Magic in the Water had been written smarter, both children and adults would have enjoyed it more.

Rated: 1.5/4

May 5, 2014

Full Review

David Sterritt

Christian Science Monitor

[A] mildly entertaining fantasy.

May 5, 2014

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Daniel Etherington

Film4

A formulaic (think Free Willy meets Loch Ness) but pleasant enough family film.

May 5, 2014

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David Aldridge

Radio Times

The result is a slice of delightful escapism that will enchant children and entertain parents as well.

Rated: 3/5

May 5, 2014

Full Review

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Meredith L

Kind of a waste of time. Poorly edited, improbably of getting from one place to another around such a giant lake. Disjointed fantasy. What happened to Jack Black’s head injury- now you see it, know you don’t? When the girl loses her wooden carved Orky into the water, it ought to have floated rather than sink. That kind of stuff. I accepted the fantasy premise, but continuity lacked.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

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Steve D

Even the kids will find it quite lame.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Rosana B

Muito lindo e apaixonante, como não amar a carinha fofa do Orky, lindinho, o roteiro é todo fofo, as crianças são adoráveis (sou suspeita, amo filme com pirralhos), a dose de humor na medida, aquela reunião dos doidos anônimos, adultos infantis, fofo, tudo muito mágico e encantador, com aquela lição de moral fofa sobre preservação a natureza, respeito a cultura e valorização das tradições...

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/19/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Full of the greatest mysteries ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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Audience Member

My favorite movie as a kid I watched it over and over again

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/04/21

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ashley h

Magic Water in the Water is a cute film. It is about radio psychologist Jack Black takes his children Joshua and Ashley on a 'vacation' to a lake in British Columbia. Mark Harmon and Joshua Jackson give excellent performances. The screenplay is well written. Rick Stevenson did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the adventure and fantasy. Magic in the Water is a must see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Rick Stevenson

Director

Mark Harmon

Jack Black

Joshua Jackson

Joshua Black

Harley Jane Kozak

Dr. Wanda Bell

Sarah Wayne

Ashley Black

Willie Nark-Orn

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53%

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Synopsis

On vacation at a beautiful lake in British Columbia, Ashley (Sarah Wayne) and Joshua (Joshua Jackson), the children of workaholic radio host Jack Black (Mark Harmon), learn about its mythical inhabitant, a sea monster named Orky. Soon, the kids learn that Orky is not only real, he's attempting to communicate with humans to warn them that an evil corporation is illegally dumping pollutants into his home. They try to save Orky with the help of an elderly Native American (Frank Sotonoma Salsedo).

Director: Rick Stevenson
Producer: Tony Allard, Matthew O'Connor, Rick Stevenson, William Stevenson
Screenwriter: Ninian Dunet, Icel Dobell Massey, Rick Stevenson
Distributor: TriStar Pictures
Production Co: TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 30, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.3M
Runtime: 1h 38m
Sound Mix: Surround

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