Customer Reviews

Benji - Off the Leash [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I have loved Benji since I was a kid and when I heard there was going to be a new Benji movie I was estatic. My husband and I went to see this famous pooch in his first movie since the '80s.
Although it was a very moving story and I did cry during the end,I didn't feel like this movie was as good as all the other Benji movies. It seemed like it took a very long time to tell the story and also didn't seem very planned out. Like other Benji movies had a plot(ie. Benji's first movie he stopped kidnappers and in For the Love of Benji he is trying to escape some spies that want him for an experiment, Benji the hunted he's trying to help some abandoned cougar cubs.) So you see my point. Even though this movie starts out with them on the search for a new Benji and our pooch who is named Benji in the end is trying to save his mom from a puppy mill they seem to get a little off the plot here and there during the movie. Children will love this adorable mutt and true Benji fans will as well. Most adults though may be bored. Other than the lenghty script and off topic scenes I loved it, would see it again, and plan to purchase the DVD on December 28th. And for those wondering there is a Benji Christmas movie to be released in theaters December 2005.

Joe Camp's original Benji film blazed a trail and provided inspiration for independent filmmakers across the world. In Benji: Off the Leash, Mr. Camp continues to break new ground by examining issues that will inevitably provoke meaningful conversation between parents and their children, a feat rarely accomplished in modern family entertainment. I was not surprised to learn that after all these years, Camp remains faithful to solid principles of fine storytelling. While viewing Off the Leash, I got a sense of Camp's deep love for independent film and his intuitive respect for the audience.

Many modern flicks for kids consist of spiritually empty images of mindless destruction, delivered at a brutally hyperactive pace, but Off the Leash is a notable exception. Parents who view this film with their children will be amazed to discover their kids, who were nursed on modern frenetic film fare, will not grow tired of the lingering camera shots contained throughout Off the Leash, as these scenes are designed to allow kids (and adult children) to use their imaginations and emotionally connect with the characters. Imagine that!

Joe Camp has always held his films to a higher standard, and Benji: Off the Leash is no exception. This film explores a somewhat darker theme than the original Benji films, as the child protagonist faces the enemy within his own family (as opposed to the evil forces operating outside the family in the first films). Off the Leash inspires children to think about values, and it doesn't proselytize or adopt a condescending attitude in order to do so.

Off the Leash is blessed by a wonderful soundtrack, including a rendition of the big-band standard "It Had to Be You". For reasons more nostalgic than critical, I missed hearing the soulful Charlie Rich soundtrack from the original Benji movies, but Joe Camp managed to work brief cuts from the original score into Off the Leash, complete with the often-parodied WAKKA-WAKKA guitar sound that defined the seventies.

Off the Leash has something for everyone. Film aficionados will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in the lighting of the dogs' eyes, as well as Camp's juxtaposition of shots for maximum emotive effect. Writers and readers will notice fundamental principles of fine storytelling, and the way Camp manages to elicit strong, organic emotion without losing his grasp on realism. Fans of classic physical comedy will enjoy the fumbling dogcatcher sequences. Dog lovers will marvel at animal stunts that seem natural and effortless. Children and their parents will laugh and cry - but most importantly, they will talk.

Camp simply has too much respect for children to gloss over the often harsh realities of being a kid in the modern world. In addition to telling a captivating, amusing and suspenseful story, Off the Leash wrestles with tough issues like child abuse and domestic violence in a realistic but sensitive and insightful manner. The film will undoubtedly elicit feelings of courage, hope and self-worth in the hearts of abused and neglected children. The Benji films nurtured my spirit throughout many years of child abuse, and I would highly recommend Off the Leash to any adult survivor.

A word of caution: Amidst dozens upon dozens of glowing reviews, a few critics have leveled unfair and even malicious criticisms against Off the Leash, belying their misunderstanding of the important issues the film addresses. Parents who wish to subject their children to mind-numbing entertainment masquerading as family fare while pandering to the lowest common denominator should avoid Off the Leash, along with all the other Benji movies. On the other hand, parents who want their children to grow up armed with inner knowledge essential to protect themselves in a world that is often hostile and predatory will be glad they viewed this valuable and wholesome film with their kids.

Finally, a personal message to Mr. Camp... You owe me for a box of Kleenex, you tearjerker!

If you're looking for family picture, something cheerful and joyful that would make you smile and laugh, you should see some other Benji films, but not this one. Sure, the dogs are cute. But I think probably most dogs on this planet are cute, and that alone does not make a good family picture. You may think `Benji: Off the Leash!' is a film about Benji. Yes, it is, but it also includes several things that almost made me stop watching it.

A kind boy named Colby (Nick Whitaker) secretly keeps an abandoned dog who tries to rescue his ailing mother ill-treated by her cruel owner. If you think this is a good story (and it is, I agree), wait a minute. The dog is abandoned by Colby's own abusive and malicious father who tosses away the puppy in the opening. The same cold-blooded daddy treats badly Benji's mother too in order to get more puppies! (Oh, I forgot to say he is a dog breeder, and he needs money!) And beating someone is also suggested....

OK, I admit this film is made with good intention. It makes a good point about our society, where animal abuse is often deeply related to another type of abuse. But I thought this is a film about dogs, or adventures of these lovely dogs running around, and the film's DVD cover strongly suggests that kind of content. Of course, these serious issues could be in films made for kids, but here's another problem.

That is, the film's terrible script that is confusing and often pointless. There is another dog abandoned by an unknown driver. The film could have explored the friendship between them, but before it does, it strays into several silly slapsticks by two Animal Control officers (with such old gags as falling in the mud). The rambling story goes nowhere, and the social issues like animal abuse is clumsily treated. The lazy pace of the film with this kind of unnecessary comedies by stupid characters not only kills everything that could have been much better lessons for kid, but also conceals the real merits of watching this film, that is, watching cute dogs.

In short, we don't need this entry while we have the original Benji, and many other films from Disney, Pixar, and other studios, which the kids probably would find funnier and more educational.

Benji Off the Leash! is no one-trick-pony. The film should win audiences of all ages and defrost even the most hardened canine-phobe. Both the movie and the mutt are that good.

Movies targeted for family trade often seem designed by committees hoping to lure all demographics. Happily, Benji Off the Leash! attains purity in every sense of the word; unlike many films of any genre, it reflects a unified vision. Benji producer/director/screenwriter Joe Camp has not stooped to conquer.

In direction, story construction, camerawork and performances both human and canine, Benji Off the Leash! is the best of the Benji canon. Its two-legged hero is Colby, a stalwart youngster who loves dogs. Its two-legged villain is Colby's harsh father, whose appropriate last name is Hatchett. He runs an illegal dog mill and mistreats all beings, both two-legged and four-legged.

Colby and Benji have parallel plights, dealing with the rescue of loved ones and strong maternal bonds.

Benji Off the Leash! has serious undercurrents, but it never turns grim. The film's canine comic foil is a character named Lizard Tongue, whom Benji befriends and then probably wonders if making friends with the rascally Lizard Tongue was a wise move. Two goofy dogcatchers and one eccentric recluse provide the human comedy.

As before, Mr. Camp films the canine scenes from the dogs' perspectives, and the desire to reach out and touch is irresistible. Benji interacts gamely with Lizard Tongue, a chatty parrot named Merlin and even a cow. Don Reddy's cinematography exquisitely captures each moment.

With eyes born for movie camera close-ups, Benji is a female mixed-breed terrier, three and one-half years of age. She is a wonder-dog, but she doesn't hog the show. As played by Shaggy, a dog from the south side of Chicago, Lizard Tongue is also one formidable scene-stealer.

Two-legged stars also fare well. Nick Whitaker has the essential soulfulness for Colby, while Duane Stephens has some hilarious bits as the goofier of the two dogcatchers. Mr. Stephens also sings a lilting "It Had To Be You" over the closing credits. Neal Barth relishes each moment as town eccentric Zacharia Finch, fond of improvising quotes from phony sources.

Calling a movie "the best of its kind" often has a condescending tone. In the case of Benji Off the Leash!, no condescension is warranted. This Benji's a beaut, for all ages. Woof.

Benji Off the Leash!

I have been a big fan of Benji since I was in grade school. I didn't get to see the original movie or "For the Love of Benji" until I was older, but I was able to buy and read the book versions of those stories (which included a few photos from the films). I fell hopelessly in love with the brown-eyed, scraggily-eared dog in those stories. Years later, I was cuddling up and watching "Benji" videos with my very own, much-loved pooch who was a huge Benji fan herself. I swear! She watched and ejoyed every tape I showed her. It was actually quite amazing how spellbound she was by them.

Admittedly, "Benji" movies have always tended to be a little cheesy, but what has always mattered most is that at their heart are stories that simply shine with warmth and love. This new movie is no different in that respect. It does have some very serious issues that it addresses, but it does so with gentle grace. This is a film that -- God forbid -- inspires families to actually talk afterwards. Never fear, though. There is plenty of humor to lighten the mood, as well -- more than enough to keep the little ones laughing all the way home. And I dare even the most jaded adult to not be moved by the storyline involving "Lizard Tongue" and the eccentric old man. Anyone who has truly loved a dog will be unable to watch those scenes with dry eyes.

All in all, this is an important movie for animal lovers to see, and a great, all-around family film. I give this new "Benji" a big thumbs up. She may not look exactly like the original star, but she has what it takes to warm audiences hearts many times over and then some. In addition, her "acting" and the quality of her training are every bit as amazing. She needs your help, though! Don't pass this one up until it comes to rental. America is more in need of good ol' Benji these days than ever before. Show your support and see this one now! Tails will be wagged in your honor if you do.

I was horrified by this movie. My 5-year-old daughter and I watched this together hoping for a normal, uplifting, cute animal movie. The pointless, meandering, nonexistent storyline was the least offensive thing about it. Not much "FUN AND HILARITY" ensues in this disgusting downer. The 'movie' includes a psychopathic father who abuses and neglects his breeding dogs AND his son & wife (why doesn't the wife DO something?!), two idiotic dog catchers, some peripheral characters who show up in the last 10 minutes to 'save the day' (too little too late). Among the horrid scenes are a small puppy being throw across a room; a depressing backyard filled with 'breeder' dogs shoved in cramped, dirty cages; the implication that the psycho dad throws a bag with a runt puppy off a cliff into a river; a sick and dying female dog who has been overused for breeding; psycho dad verbally abusing his son; the implication that the wife is being hit; NO ONE doing or reporting any of the abuses (until the end - when the psycho is finally hauled off to jail). Truly one of the worst, most sickening movies I've ever seen. The issue of animal (and kid/wife) abuse is a topic of social importance that should be addressed, but NOT in a movie advertised as a rolicking, heartwarming kids' movie. This is NOT FOR KIDS. Not for anyone, really.

First of all I just want to say that I consider this to be a first class, five star, top notch
Family movie. I don't care what other critics say! I think that Joe Camp has done
an excellent job with sticking to his usual old fashioned ways of making movies.

Don't let those Hollywood fruits tempt you Joe. You continue to make your
Movies the way you do, and we will continue to watch and admire them.
That's as it should be!

"Benji off the Leash" is a good example of how the content of Family
movies need to be looked at. I'm pretty sure that "The Polar Express"
is too, but I'm going to go see it before I decide on that one.

Joe Camp has a good way of showing us that "Some things never change".
It's not necessary to always buy into every kind of new eccentric method
of movie and TV content that the world throws at us. It is why The Disney
Channel has thrown out their older programing and is going with more
current shows.

It would seem that some people don't consider this Benji film to have a
Happy ending. One of the reasons is because the boy doesn't keep the
Dog.

It is indeed a happy ending. It's just a different interpretation of a happy ending.

Kermit the Frog could have been happy living in the Swamp. Instead he decided
He would be happier to pursue Hollywood for a chance to make "Millions of People
Happy". At the end of this movie the boy decides it would be best for Benji to do
The same thing. I'd call that a better ending, as opposed to him just keeping the dog
(a typical ending for a boy and dog film). What a great unselfish act to convey to
the kids!

The Plot did jump around a little bit. That can be overlooked however, because
Everything else about the movie was good. Even though the story doesn't
present anything we haven't already seen, why should we let that bore us
to death. It's all about detail. Digging deeper than what's on the surface.

I Like how Joe used the ending to reflect the reality of what he has accomplished
With Benji. Benji really did make it big in movies. Most importantly he also
Traveled the world with Benji, and captured the hearts of Millions.

If that's not a good way to end it, then what is? Keeping the Dog? Joe knew
Better then to do that! He took a step further and showed us that a happy
Ending is not always done the way we might expect. The same thing is
True with our everyday lives.

That's the way I view it. Keep up the good work Joe!

I could sit here and try and talk about what a great film this is, but I don't think I could do a better job than Dr. Marty Becker. I agree with everything he said (see below):

Come, sit, stay for great new Benji movie
Dr. Marty Becker - Knight Ridder

On November 18, 2001, a famed movie producer walked into a shelter and was transfixed by a raggedy, abandoned mutt that had been picked up wandering alone on the streets of Pass Christian, Mississippi. That movie producer was Joe Camp, creator of the original Benji movies, and he was on a mission, looking in animal shelters across the country. When he gazed into her gentle eyes, he knew he had found his next star.

Now, nearly three years later, that collaboration between Camp and his new star is complete. The highly anticipated new movie, Benji Off The Leash, opens in theaters nationwide August 20.

For Camp, it's been a personal mission. He wrote, directed and produced Benji Off The Leash, resisting big bucks from studio executives, who Camp says wanted to lower the base of his family movie. "I had a conversation with one of them and he said. `This is what you have to put into kids' entertainment: violence, sexual innuendo and potty jokes. It's the economic bottom line.' I got angry and went my own way, seeking private investors, to show those studios what could be done; the responsible, right thing."

Benji Off The Leash is a story about unlikely heroes. Benji is a dog, lost and alone, with no one but a belligerent bird, a bungling stray mutt, and a 14-year-old boy to help. With Benji in the lead and with incredible music composed and conducted by Anthony DiLorenzo (he should get an academy award,) it tells the story of how this band of comrades comes together for a common, courageous purpose: to stop abuse of pets and people.

Test audiences have touted this as the most hilarious Benji film ever. It features a comic duo of dog catchers who can't seem to outsmart Benji. But it also may be the most important; raising audience awareness about shelters and shining a spotlight on animal abuse, teaching our children the importance of compassion and courage.

"It was significant that once again we find our next Benji in a shelter, just like the original Benji," says Camp. Benji jumpstarted the trend for people to look for a mixed breed mutt at the local animal shelter rather than the purebred puppies at the pet store. Since the first Benji movie came out in 1975, mutts, canine cocktails, Heinz 57 remain popular, chic, da bomb.

Camp adopted his new Benji (Benji number four) and her movie side-kick Shaggy from shelters. The current Benji is a female mixed-breed terrier believed to be just under one year old when she was adopted in 2001.

This is a summer touted to be one of the biggest in movie history, with big budget studios going head to head with their blockbuster releases. But, through it all, Camp feels optimistic that his `little movie that could,' Benji Off The Leash, will prevail.

"I honestly believe families want good, quality family entertainment. They are tired of the junk and violence and sexual focus of movies today that are marketed for kids." This Benji movie allows families to take a stand and show Hollywood the kind of movies they want more of."

And in fact, not just children, but adults as well, have enjoyed the powerful message of love seen in the Benji movies.

Besides parents who are raving about a great family fun movie, the critics are showing new puppy exuberance for a unique movie that doesn't need computer gimmicks or a talking dog to tell a timeless, tangible story:

"An incredible story! Exciting, heartwarming and entertaining."
Ted Baehr - The Movie Guide

"Surefire family entertainment! I'm giving this film my HOT vote!"
Leonard Maltin - Hot Ticket

"Hilarious! It captures the joy of a special dog and the simpleness of childhood."
Gannett Newspapers

"A funny, exciting adventure. The canine cast is irresistible. I swear, the main dogs in this film are acting."
Phil Boatwright - The Movie Reporter

"A real treat!"
Susana Gora - Premiere Magazine

Our family likes movies and when we watched a sneak preview of Benji Off The Leash for a shelter fundraiser, entire families laughed out loud, a lot, and at the end of the movie the entire theater resonated with thunderous applause and cheering. When the lights came on you could see many people wiping away tears. With my own blurry eyes, I looked into the faces of people ages five to eighty five, and verified this movie moves people.

A great movie, a great message, and help finding homeless pets new homes. What more could we ask for? I give this movie my highest possible endorsement and greatest sense of urgency: A must see movie on opening weekend to guarantee this movie has four good legs to run on for many weeks!

Benji Off The Leash opens August 20th. You can visit www.benji.com
for more information.

There you have it folks! Need I say more :)

Are you kidding me? Are there two different versions of this movie? How could anyone rate this 5 stars? I don't right many reviews, but I feel like a victim after watching this sad excuse for a film. The title should be Benji Fights All Forms of Abuse. Spousal abuse. Child abuse. Animal abuse. We got 'em all folks! "The best family film in years!" That was an actual quote from someone who watched this movie. Spoiler alert! A man throws a puppy in a burlap sack off a cliff into a river. Benji does not save the day. Enter sadness.

Best line from the movie..

Son: He doesn't love you, you know. I don't know why you stay with him.
Mother: You just mind your father.
Son: He doesn't love me either.

On this note, I'm moving to Russia. So long morons. Call me if they re-release this in 3D. Dogs getting hurled at my face by an angry man might actually be entertaining.

Because Benji looks like sheepdog terrier his is all puffy Im 41 watched it for free thought the moviE was tolerable but my benji doll in my closet ( my souvenir as a child that I kept because ) IT LOOKS LIKE THE ORIGNAL BENJI NOT A BIG CUDDLY FURRY TERRIER. CAMP COULDN'T YOU FIND A LOOK ALIKE OHHH WE LIVE IN 2011 AND EVERYTHING IS SO DIGITAL AND PUFFY RIP BENJI FROM 1973 1977 77777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
IM 41 MIDDLE AGE NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO