This "kids" movie is very dark. The trained dogs are a delight to watch; however, the co-dependent mother and the violent stepdad are tragic characters and not the kind you would see in a "G" movie...their story reminds me of the scene in "Natural Born Killers" where Rodney Dangerfield is a child molesting stepdad who abuses his wife all to a laugh track...fairly sinster stuff. Joe Camp has a great concept as the dogs truly stand out in a cinematic world dominated by CGI...but he needs to bring in a different writer for his next work.
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Benji Off the Leash
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Charming movie featuring an adorable dog.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness :
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Sexy stuff :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Benji Off the Leash
Parents need to know that this is a cute movie, and young dog lovers will definitely want to see it. However, sensitive kids may be alarmed by the mistreatment of dogs here -- the dogs are in constant peril and kept in horrible conditions. They are chased by men with tranquilizer guns and held at gunpoint. Also, the family featured here isn't exactly The Partridge Family: the stepfather is abusive both to his family and the dogs he keeps in his backyard puppy mill, and the mother is a weak woman who stays with her abusive husband because "two parents are better than one" and "we have to eat". Parents should also know that the movie has some mild epithets and insults ("jeez," "why the devil," "idiot," "pansy". A strength of the movie is the portrayal of African-American characters of integrity and dedication.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about animal cruelty and the abuse that Colby and his mother put up with. Both Hatchett and Colby's mother use the same excuse -- that they need to eat. What alternatives do they have? Why did Colby tell the puppy they were both different? They can talk about Mr. Finch's gentle approach to making friends with Lizard Tongue. What does it mean to say that "it takes a special kind of person to admit he was wrong?" Families might also want to talk about how their community deals with stray dogs and how people, even children, can help prevent abuse of people and animals.
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Our Members Say
See all 9 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in GeorgiaI rate this title off for age 17 and give itWRONG TURN ALL AROUND
- Lives in New JerseyI rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Always been a Benji fan
I aways been a Benji fan so I really enjoyed this movie. Some people may take issue with the abuse of the mother and son and the mistreatment of the dogs in the movie. so I would say this would be great for older kids
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 8 and give it
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