For the Love of Benji

I remember seeing For the Love of Benji back in the late 1970s on television, and I enjoyed it very much, with Benji exploring the beautiful city of Athens all on his own, and pretty much standing up for himself. I've been to Greece a couple of times, and it's great that Benji got to explore life outside of America, and also get amidst international espionage at the same time. Anyway, I'd love to have a sequel, like Benji in Italy, Benji in New Zealand, Benji in Canada, Benji in Morocco, Benji in Germany, Benji in Japan, Benji in Iceland, Benji in Denmark, Benji in Guyana, Benji in Panama, Benji in Scotland.

source: For the Love of Benji

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.

"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.

My Dad & I went to watch this movie when it first came out we enjoyed it have watched different times since.

We enjoyed this sweet little movie very much. We had not seen the first film so this was our introduction to the Benji saga. It's a typical plot, however unlikely, about spies using Benji to smuggle secrets and the efforts of all concerned to capture him, all taking place in the streets and hillsides of Athens, Greece. Benji is utterly charming. It is a joy to watch him as he makes his rounds and does what needs to be done. Yes, he runs a lot, and very fast for a small dog. What heart Benji has! A true family movie. Benji is adorable in this film. If you like dogs or animal movies and are still a bit young at heart you will enjoy this. As a result of watching "For The Love Of Benji" we will definitely check out the original "Benji" movie, which was a sensation back in the 1970s.

This film is perfect! It has great actors! The dogs are amazing! Very well trained! The music "I feel love" is sweet and catching! I miss movies like that, innocent films with an identifiable contrast between right and wrong. It is an honest film and I show to my family without worries. I highly recommend it to all lovers of good movies! I believe this is a timeless film and that new generations will enjoy too! Make no mistake, there are many movies with animals that are silly, but here this is not the case! This is a fun and exciting movie with very well done script, great dialogues and a perfectionist intricacy in production!

For openers, it's not the same dog from the first film. That, however, is the least of what's wrong here. The story takes place in Greece, for reasons that weren't clear to me. You have characters speaking (and often yelling) in Greek, and no subtitles. If we don't need to know what's being said, why set the story in a foreign country? Most of the movie is Benji wandering around the streets. He seems to have forgotten his cute female companion, and is just trying to steal food. The story has no juice. The movie is populated with unfamiliar and unappealing characters. The title also doesn't really fit the film, except on one level. The "love of Benji" is the only reason you could have to sit through this inferior sequel. Unless you enjoy watching and listening to stupid-looking idiots yelling at each other, in Greek.

For the love of Benji is a pretty good yet uneven, strange movie with a lot of action scenes of Benji out running trouble. He's a very bright and cute dog and easy to cheer for. It really was never clear to the audience what exactly was implanted in his paw are exactly who the antagonists were? It was very strange that they filmed the movie in Greece with no one speaking English? I'm not sure why on earth they would do that? Little children will love Benji and adults will most likely say how much time is left? Still, fairly wholesome family entertainment.

I have given this film a 7. My Dad would take me to the video shop once a week and I would, without fail, come home with 'For the love of Benji' I loved this film and have fond memories of it. It is clever as it was one of the first films made from a dogs point of view. It showed how intelligent and perceptive dogs are - they know good people from bad people almost instantly. It also shows how sly, cunning and resourceful they can be when made to fend for themselves. It did have a few heartstring pulling moments, when Benji is generous with today's spoil.. being separated from loved ones and reunited again. I think children today would still enjoy this film.. regardless of the amount of running Benji does.