Benji is quite charismatic and seemingly as smart as the people. Perhaps not too surprising, as he had been a TV actor for some years.
This film was incredibly cheap to make, at only half a million $s, having earned 100X that upon it's initial release! However, I believe it could have used some more investment to make it better stand the test of time.
My main criticism is that there is far too much repetition. How many times did we see Benji go through his daily routine of leaving his abandoned house abode to visit the Chapmans, for some breakfast? Then, off he ran to pass through the yard with the cat lady, causing her cat to flee up a tree. Next, off to visit the dependable patrolman for a head scratch and maybe a snack. Then, on to geriatric Bill, dozing in front of his cafe, for a bone, followed by a gaunt to the park bench to rest up and investigate the contents of the open trash bin. Then, on back to his abandoned house, to play with his bone. How many times did we see Benji run a marathon through fields and/or city streets? In short, we could have used more variety in the adventures of Benji!
Presumably, this was supposed to be aimed at an audience of mostly kids, and their parent. However, several reviewers said their kid was soon bored. Did these families have a dog at home or a neighbor's dog to play with? Many people, like me, like at least some dogs, but are unable to keep one or unwilling to put up with caring for one. Perhaps this film means more to them than to those who own a dog or have frequent access to one?
For a while, the film looks like it's going to turn into a version of "Lady and the Tramp", except that his female companion evidently is also a homeless tramp. Although Benji is polite to her, even offering his bone, clearly he is the leader, and she merely a passive follower. In that sense, the film may be considered anti-feminist.
A few other comments: I thought the best human actor was the lady who played Mary: the governess/ housekeeper of the Chapmans........Also, I don't understand why Linda, who was one of the kidnappers, was in a room talking to a bunch of men, who were discussing what to do about the kidnapping and ransom demand?? Benji's stealing of the first, discarded, ransom note, Linda's acquiring and hiding of it, and Benji's again stealing it, led to the supposition that Linda was in on the crime, and the realization that Benji wanted to lead them to the others and the victims. This set the stage for the happy finale.
This film was incredibly cheap to make, at only half a million $s, having earned 100X that upon it's initial release! However, I believe it could have used some more investment to make it better stand the test of time.
My main criticism is that there is far too much repetition. How many times did we see Benji go through his daily routine of leaving his abandoned house abode to visit the Chapmans, for some breakfast? Then, off he ran to pass through the yard with the cat lady, causing her cat to flee up a tree. Next, off to visit the dependable patrolman for a head scratch and maybe a snack. Then, on to geriatric Bill, dozing in front of his cafe, for a bone, followed by a gaunt to the park bench to rest up and investigate the contents of the open trash bin. Then, on back to his abandoned house, to play with his bone. How many times did we see Benji run a marathon through fields and/or city streets? In short, we could have used more variety in the adventures of Benji!
Presumably, this was supposed to be aimed at an audience of mostly kids, and their parent. However, several reviewers said their kid was soon bored. Did these families have a dog at home or a neighbor's dog to play with? Many people, like me, like at least some dogs, but are unable to keep one or unwilling to put up with caring for one. Perhaps this film means more to them than to those who own a dog or have frequent access to one?
For a while, the film looks like it's going to turn into a version of "Lady and the Tramp", except that his female companion evidently is also a homeless tramp. Although Benji is polite to her, even offering his bone, clearly he is the leader, and she merely a passive follower. In that sense, the film may be considered anti-feminist.
A few other comments: I thought the best human actor was the lady who played Mary: the governess/ housekeeper of the Chapmans........Also, I don't understand why Linda, who was one of the kidnappers, was in a room talking to a bunch of men, who were discussing what to do about the kidnapping and ransom demand?? Benji's stealing of the first, discarded, ransom note, Linda's acquiring and hiding of it, and Benji's again stealing it, led to the supposition that Linda was in on the crime, and the realization that Benji wanted to lead them to the others and the victims. This set the stage for the happy finale.