Benji (1974)

No Hollywood studio was willing to buy or distribute this 1974 family film made in Texas, but it managed to find a considerable audience anyway in the U.S. and become a minor classic under its own steam. While Benji's production values aren't everything they could be, and the acting is at best uneven, the movie is really held together by the immense charm of the unassuming mutt who plays the title character. He may not look as impressive as Lassie or Rin Tin Tin, but poor stray Benji (played by a pooch named Higgins) is as brave and resourceful as they come, especially when a couple of neighborhood children are kidnapped and in need of rescuing. And what about that romantic subplot: Benji falling for a pampered pup from the good side of the tracks. Director Joe Camp earned himself a profitable franchise with Benji and its several sequels, but it was this first film and the debut of a new canine icon that stirs pleasant memories. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Stay of the couch you stoopid dog!

Benjy just won't listen. This dog refuses to be housebroken and after several attempts by inpatient owners, Benjy is finally taken to the pound. Benjy escapes and joins the circus, along with long time rival, Curious George. At least Lassie was smart. April 28, 2007

An entertaining family film about a lovable canine friend.

BENJI is one of the finest films made about the trials and errors of society, as seen through the eyes of a cute male canine. This pooch wants nothing more than friendship and understanding from his daily interactions with the human species. He befriends a pair of siblings and their housekeeper who call him Benji and treat him as a respected family member.

Through the course of the film, we are given a dramatic presentation of canine emotions and perceptions, showing how closely a dog's world resembles our own. Benji develops a romantic interest as well. He is undoubtedly the hero of this story, as he courageously comes to the rescue of his human friends after they are kidnapped. There are some intense moments in the film dealing with the horrors of abduction, but through it all, Benji comes out the winner and is given his due recognition.

This film is highly recommended for family viewing. Both old and young will probably find it a worthwhile lesson of life and its challenges through the eyes of "man's best friend".
February 15, 2007

GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good move

my 2 fave, AUNTS took Me & my SISER to see this when we were lil kids, & the song stuk with me till theis day .

AND my Music School-Teacher 2 years latter tought me the song with the rest of my 4 Grade class. NOW I got the Cd & DVD, it worth showing to any one who wants a good Cristin Movie for thaire kids & Any outher kids Movies.

LOOK FOR :

Benji, Zax and the Alien Prince -
{ The Complete Series }
{ saturday morning TV Show }

Benji: The Hunted

Ultimate Benji Collection (Benji / For the Love of Benji / Benji Off the Leash)

Benji - The Soundtrack CD

Benji's Amazing Miraculous Dog Training Book

Winning Edge Benji Hogan Dog Golf Head Cover

I Love Benji - Valentine's day chocolate bar

I Love Benji Mug

Benji Superstar Collection 4 Pack

Benji's Very Own Christmas Story

Hawmps/Benji's Life Story Double Feat

Joe Camp's Benji Fastest Dog in the West

I Love Benji Keychain

Benji & Me by Joe Camp (Paperback - Nov 12, 2000)

I Love Benji T-shirt

Oh! Heavenly Dog by Benji, Chevy Chase,

Benji: Benji's Big Adventure (Festival Reader)
January 26, 2007

Benji

I purchased this DVD for my neice. She thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a wholesome story that I feel kids and parents will approve. January 4, 2007

A True Masterpiece

As a kid, I always thought of Benji as a cool dog who got along with everyone and was very playful. Now as a young adult with a much matured mind, I view the canine from the other side of the picket fence with the hole...

From a professional film making standpoint, I admit the movie is subpar in terms of acting and casting. Throughout much of the film, there are stagnant pauses in speech which, understandably, turns away many a viewer. I know I felt the same way when I saw "Sixth Sense" for the first time. However, the soundtrack, comprised mainly of one song, Charlie Rich's theme "I Feel Love," is a phenomenal addendum to Benji's personality and despite the fact it is played on numerous occasions throughout the film, it is done in different ways every time. Different tone, tempo, and emotion are used in such a way that you actually feel what Benji is thinking. Who needs words when the music can tell the story by itself?

That being said, aside from Terminator 2: Judgement Day, no other film has made me cry as much as this one. About 3/4 through the film at the climax, the camerawork and cinemagic, as I like to call it, force me to fight back the tears (and fail miserably everytime). It is then that I remember why I fell in love with the movie and with dogs. They can feel human emotions and connect with them in a way no other animal can. They are not corruptable like human beings. They are loyal and loving to the bitter end. Watch this movie with an open mind and I guarantee you will be fighting back tears as well. March 28, 2006

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