"Benjean", a.k.a. "Benji", carries on the tradition established by her father Higgins for the original family classic that bore the "Benji" name. This time, the adorable canine is going on a vacation in Greece with her young masters Cindy and Paul (Cynthia Smith and Allen Fiuzat) and their housekeeper Mary (Patsy Garrett). (The father is supposed to be joining them in a weeks' time.) However, a sly secret agent (guest star Ed Nelson) grabs Benjis' carrier before it can be loaded onto the plane, and tattoos a formula onto the dogs' paw. Then, everybody's plans go awry when Benji (and his female companion Tiffany) miss a connecting flight. Benji ends up scampering all over Greece as characters try to locate him and then hold on to him.
"For the Love of Benji" does travel far on the winning personality of the little canine star, who, like her dad, is able to express emotions quite well. The plot is a little more "grown up" than in the first film, with even higher stakes, and there are moments that may be unpleasant for younger viewers. (Like seeing Benji immobilized with chloroform.) The exotic locale does add a lot to the experience, and although the abundance of Greek dialogue is not subtitled, you'll find that it's not that necessary. You can still get the gist of what people are saying. The film is never more engaging than when it follows little Benjean and her many adventures. She makes a friend in a bigger dog (an obvious stray), who is endeared to her when she shares some purloined meat with them. And later, this dog character is paid off when a Doberman is pursuing Benjean and this other dog comes to the rescue.
The human cast is just fine, with Nelson never coming off as too intimidating for younger kids. However, they'll instinctively understand, seeing him through Benjis' eyes, that he's a bad man. Returning actors Garrett, Smith, and Fiuzat are appealing, but they are not a big part of the story this time around. Art Vasil, Peter Bowles, and Bridget Armstrong are solid in supporting roles.
Likeable, well-paced, action-packed family fare punctuated by one of those irresistibly cute, precious wrap-ups certain to have viewers sobbing into their hankies.
Followed by "Oh, Heavenly Dog!" in 1980.
Seven out of 10.
"For the Love of Benji" does travel far on the winning personality of the little canine star, who, like her dad, is able to express emotions quite well. The plot is a little more "grown up" than in the first film, with even higher stakes, and there are moments that may be unpleasant for younger viewers. (Like seeing Benji immobilized with chloroform.) The exotic locale does add a lot to the experience, and although the abundance of Greek dialogue is not subtitled, you'll find that it's not that necessary. You can still get the gist of what people are saying. The film is never more engaging than when it follows little Benjean and her many adventures. She makes a friend in a bigger dog (an obvious stray), who is endeared to her when she shares some purloined meat with them. And later, this dog character is paid off when a Doberman is pursuing Benjean and this other dog comes to the rescue.
The human cast is just fine, with Nelson never coming off as too intimidating for younger kids. However, they'll instinctively understand, seeing him through Benjis' eyes, that he's a bad man. Returning actors Garrett, Smith, and Fiuzat are appealing, but they are not a big part of the story this time around. Art Vasil, Peter Bowles, and Bridget Armstrong are solid in supporting roles.
Likeable, well-paced, action-packed family fare punctuated by one of those irresistibly cute, precious wrap-ups certain to have viewers sobbing into their hankies.
Followed by "Oh, Heavenly Dog!" in 1980.
Seven out of 10.