Benji Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stray dog becomes a furry James Bond when he must outsmart inept kidnappers to save two kids, proving once and for all that a dog’s love (and nose) is the best weapon against crime.

🍿 Benji: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Benji’s Lonely Start

The movie opens by showing Benji’s difficult beginning. His mother and siblings are captured by animal control, leaving him orphaned and alone. Benji is forced to fend for himself on the streets, scavenging for food and seeking shelter wherever he can find it. This establishes Benji’s resilience and resourcefulness, setting the stage for his later heroic actions.

A Budding Friendship

Benji’s luck begins to change when he encounters two siblings, Carter and Frankie. Carter offers Benji strawberries, a gesture of kindness that slowly earns the dog’s trust. He starts following them home, eventually making his way into their apartment through a window. The children clean him up and play with him.

Heartbreak and Separation

Unfortunately, their mother, Whitney, discovers Benji and, due to her own responsibilities and apartment rules, insists that they return him to the streets. This is a difficult moment for Carter and Frankie, who have already grown attached to Benji. The emotional scene highlights the bond between children and animals and the sadness of forced separation.

The Kidnapping

While trying to retrieve their late father’s watch from a pawnshop, Carter and Frankie witness a robbery. The robbers, desperate to avoid identification, kidnap the children. Unbeknownst to them, Benji has been following Carter and Frankie since they left him on the streets. He witnesses the abduction and follows the van to an abandoned house in the countryside.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Benji (N/A): A resourceful stray dog who befriends two children and ultimately rescues them from kidnappers.
• Carter (Gabriel Bateman): A young boy who forms a strong bond with Benji and is later kidnapped.
• Frankie (Darby Camp): Carter’s sister, who also befriends Benji and is kidnapped alongside her brother.
• Whitney (Kiele Sanchez): The single mother of Carter and Frankie, who initially rejects Benji but comes to appreciate his loyalty.
• Syd (Will Rothhaar): One of the robbers who kidnaps Carter and Frankie after they witness his unmasked face.
• Titus (Angus Sampson): The accomplice of Syd in the robbery and kidnapping of the children.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Carter: “He followed us home.” – Carter explains to his mom how Benji ended up at their apartment, trying to convince her to let him stay.
• Whitney: “He’s just a stray, Carter.” – The mother tells Carter that they can’t keep Benji, highlighting the family’s struggles and the practical difficulties of caring for a pet.
• Whitney: “Benji, stop!” – Whitney yells at Benji to stop, when Benji’s barks alert the mother to the children bringing in a stray.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $585,333

💥 Benji Reviews

Personal Review

As a huge animal lover, I really enjoyed watching Benji! I was excited to see this new version, and it didn’t disappoint. I was on the edge of my seat when the kids got kidnapped, and the dog was really amazing. Seeing Benji rescue them was heartwarming, and it had me tearing up in the end! I recommend this for family movie night.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families who enjoy heartwarming animal stories”
  • “Fans of the original Benji movie”
  • “Dog lovers of all ages”
  • “Viewers seeking a feel-good adventure”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Kidnapping”
  • “Scenes of children in peril”
  • “Brief depiction of animal capture”
  • “Some potentially frightening moments for young children”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While charming, ‘Benji’ relies too heavily on familiar tropes. The performances are adequate, but the plot is predictable, offering little in the way of genuine surprise. It’s a serviceable family film, but it lacks the spark to elevate it beyond mediocrity.
• Just Jared: “The film captures the essence of the original while updating it for a modern audience. Benji is adorable, and the child actors deliver heartfelt performances. Though the plot can be intense, the overall message of love and loyalty shines through.

Audience Reactions

The dog’s cleverness and heartwarming loyalty kept viewers glued to the screen.: Most agreed that the movie was family-friendly and enjoyable, though some found the kidnapping scenes too intense for younger children.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming but sometimes intense family film that updates the classic ‘Benji’ story for a new generation, but be cautious of the kidnapping plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This Benji film is a remake of the original 1974 movie of the same name.”
• “Joe Camp, the creator of the original Benji, served as an executive producer on this film, passing the directorial torch to his son, Brandon Camp.”
• “The movie was produced by Blumhouse Productions, known mostly for horror films, marking a departure into family-friendly territory.”
• “Filming took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, providing a unique backdrop to the story.”

🖥️ How to Watch Benji?

As a Netflix original movie, Benji (2018) is exclusively available for streaming on Netflix. Unfortunately, you cannot rent or purchase the movie on other platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. A Netflix subscription is required to watch.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Benji, you might like these similar films:

• Benji (1974): The original film that started the Benji franchise, offering a classic family-friendly adventure.
• Lassie Come Home (1943): A timeless story of a dog’s unwavering loyalty and determination to return to its family, capturing similar themes of devotion.
• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): An adventurous tale of pets finding their way back to their owners over a long distance, filled with heartwarming moments.
• A Dog’s Way Home (2019): A more recent movie about a dog’s long journey home, showcasing the powerful bond between humans and their canine companions.

🛒 Benji Related Products

• Benji (1974) – The Original Movie: Relive the original magic with the 1974 classic film that started it all! Perfect for comparing and contrasting with the remake, or introducing a new generation to the timeless story.
• Dog Training Clicker: Train your dog like Benji! This simple clicker is a great positive reinforcement tool for teaching tricks and commands.
• PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport – Dog Treat Bag: Be prepared to reward your furry friend during training sessions. Convenient treat pouch with plenty of room.
• Dog Mom T-Shirt: Show your love for dogs with this comfy and stylish “Dog Mom” T-shirt. Great for everyday wear or a gift for the dog lover in your life.

🎧 Soundtrack

Benji features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Almost Home” – performed by Dewain Whitmore, Jr.

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Benji’s Clever Plan | Benji | Netflix After School

Check out this clip where Benji totally outsmarts the bad guys! I love how resourceful he is, it really shows how much he cares. You gotta see this!

✨ Rate