Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Updated dog tale has realistic peril and violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Benji (2018)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a heartwarming story about a dog and two siblings that offers positive messages despite some intense and potentially frightening scenes, including kidnappings and mild violence. While it has been criticized for pacing, acting, and being somewhat unoriginal, many viewers still found it enjoyable and appropriate for slightly older children, particularly those over eight.
- heartwarming story
- intense scenes
- suitable for older children
- mixed reviews
- emotional moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Only one adorable pup escapes capture by an aggressive dog catcher as BENJI (2018) opens. The yet unnamed pooch makes a life in the country until, one fateful day, he "hitches" a ride into New Orleans. Now he's a city stray, staying alive by his wits and a few generous souls who help him out. What great fortune comes the little guy's way when he meets Carter (Gabriel Bateman) and Frankie (Darby Camp), a boy and girl still getting over the death of their dad. It's love at first sight between pup and kids. Their hard-working mom (Kiele Sanchez) is stressed, though always loving. Still, when she finds the newly christened Benji, who's been smuggled into the house, it's a no-go. Devastated and worried that his mom will consign the dog to the pound, Carter sets his new pet free. Unknown to any of them, the adventure is just beginning. Soon after Benji is escorted onto the rainy big-city streets, Carter and Frankie happen onto a robbery in process. They're taken by force by a pair of rough and desperate criminals. The only witness, other than the helpless store owner, is Benji. While the police and the kids' mom can't find a single clue as to where Carter and Frankie have been taken, Benji sets out on a wild and danger-filled journey to find them and get them home.
Is It Any Good?
If a super-delightful dog can be upstaged by super-delightful kids, it almost happens here in this remake, which has been made with care, conviction, and artistry. The original film had viewers besotted with the dog and the pastoral countryside that he inhabited; Benji's antics and his smarts took up much of the screen time. Benji (2018) has more story and more suspense and takes advantage of a vibrant New Orleans setting. Gabriel Bateman and Darby Camp are two gifted child actors who bring both realism and heart to their roles. Benji, the dog, is a miracle of personality, highly skilled editing, and great camerawork. Of course, there are still the requisite corny moments, which the music serves to enhance. And Camp seems to have a genuine knack for sentiment, so prepare to have your heart tugged, and often. Only appropriate for kids who won't be disturbed by some convincing suspense and danger to both the kids and the pup.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Benji (2018). Given the Benji movies of the past and the subject matter, did you (and your family) expect to have such real moments of suspense and danger? Why is it important to be aware of the impact of violence on kids, especially little ones? How does your family decide which movies are right for the kids in your home?
Think about the music used throughout the film. How did the songs heighten your emotional connection to what was happening on screen? Specifically, how did hearing "I Feel Love" (the Oscar-nominated song from the original Benji) and "Have a Little Faith in Me" make you feel?
If you saw the earlier (1974) version of Benji, did this remake live up to your expectations? In what ways? What, if anything, about this version surprised you? Are you looking forward to future Benji adventures? Why do you think so many remakes are being created? Can you see how a new movie such as this one capitalizes on the name-recognition of the Benji "brand" and broadens its potential audience?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 16, 2018
- Cast : Gabriel Bateman , Darby Camp , Kiele Sanchez
- Director : Brandon Camp
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Perseverance
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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