For most of the film, Benji(actually Benjean) impressed me as a dog version of Charlie Chaplin's 'little tramp' character: just trying to survive in a world that is mostly hostile or indifferent to him, but occasionally encountering a person or dog that is kind to him. It even often plays rather like a silent film, when silent lost Benji is strolling or running for his life through the streets of Athens, Greece. Sometimes Greek music is played in the background while Benji is on the move.
In contrast to some reviewers, I found this film much more interesting than the prior "Benji", which I found too repetitive and bland, except for the kidnapping portion. However, I do prefer the dog actor in this prior film. Unlike in "Benji", here, Benji is lost and in trouble most of the time, which I find more interesting. I will admit that the screenplay is full of contrivances and unlikely coincidences. In addition to Benji's frequent misadventures, there is an international conspiracy that involves Benji, woven in. This ultimately involves the planned stealing of a scientist's supposed formula for converting one barrel of oil into 10 barrels! Don't ask me why they couldn't think up a much more believable invention?! How dumb did they think the audience is?
I wish it had been made clear what the relationship was between imposter schemer Dietrich, and the mysterious British couple of Ron and Elizabeth. Clearly, both wanted to capture Benji for some important reason. We know why Dietrich wanted to, but the motive for the only seldom-seen British couple is not apparent. From their interaction on the yacht, clearly they knew each other, but seemed unfriendly toward each other. Dietrich wasn't above knocking out Ron with the butt of his pistol. Speaking of pistols, I find it curios that Dietrich gave his German luger to Mary, and took the smaller pistol from the unconscious US secret agent Stelios? Speaking of Mary, the same actors who played Mary, Paul and Cindy in "Benji" have returned. Of course, the kids are now much bigger, as early teens.
My most memorable scene: Seeing Benji running down the street carrying the long string of sausages he stole, with the butcher and customer in hot pursuit. Eventually, the latter two gave up, then had a good laugh at the cunningness of the pooch. Benji took the sausages to his 'hideout', among an ancient ruins, where he shared them with his previous acquaintance: a large dog that also hid out there. This would pay dividends when Benji returned, having been chased in a marathon run by a vicious Doberman. His big dog friend stood in front of Benji, and the Doberman backed off.
Incidentally, Benji's 'girlfriend' in "Benji", is present, but barely in the film, having missed all Benji's exciting adventures. However, at the end, we see that she presented Benji with a litter of pups.
In contrast to some reviewers, I found this film much more interesting than the prior "Benji", which I found too repetitive and bland, except for the kidnapping portion. However, I do prefer the dog actor in this prior film. Unlike in "Benji", here, Benji is lost and in trouble most of the time, which I find more interesting. I will admit that the screenplay is full of contrivances and unlikely coincidences. In addition to Benji's frequent misadventures, there is an international conspiracy that involves Benji, woven in. This ultimately involves the planned stealing of a scientist's supposed formula for converting one barrel of oil into 10 barrels! Don't ask me why they couldn't think up a much more believable invention?! How dumb did they think the audience is?
I wish it had been made clear what the relationship was between imposter schemer Dietrich, and the mysterious British couple of Ron and Elizabeth. Clearly, both wanted to capture Benji for some important reason. We know why Dietrich wanted to, but the motive for the only seldom-seen British couple is not apparent. From their interaction on the yacht, clearly they knew each other, but seemed unfriendly toward each other. Dietrich wasn't above knocking out Ron with the butt of his pistol. Speaking of pistols, I find it curios that Dietrich gave his German luger to Mary, and took the smaller pistol from the unconscious US secret agent Stelios? Speaking of Mary, the same actors who played Mary, Paul and Cindy in "Benji" have returned. Of course, the kids are now much bigger, as early teens.
My most memorable scene: Seeing Benji running down the street carrying the long string of sausages he stole, with the butcher and customer in hot pursuit. Eventually, the latter two gave up, then had a good laugh at the cunningness of the pooch. Benji took the sausages to his 'hideout', among an ancient ruins, where he shared them with his previous acquaintance: a large dog that also hid out there. This would pay dividends when Benji returned, having been chased in a marathon run by a vicious Doberman. His big dog friend stood in front of Benji, and the Doberman backed off.
Incidentally, Benji's 'girlfriend' in "Benji", is present, but barely in the film, having missed all Benji's exciting adventures. However, at the end, we see that she presented Benji with a litter of pups.