Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-16 23:27:45

Buster Keaton, Tapioca, and a Girl Named Jooniper

Benny & Joon (1993) ***1/2 |C--99 min.| D: Jeremiah Chechick. Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn, Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt, Dan Hedaya. PGJoon (Masterson), is slightly off-balance in her mind. She lives with her brother Benjamin (Quinn) who takes care of her. Then they meet Sam (Depp), a rather strange friend of a friend who fashions himself a new age Buster Keaton. The hit it off right away, and soon decide to find a match for Benny. It's a sweet little romantic comedy with simplicity on its side. Johnny Depp is hilarious, especially when doing his silent comedy routines. The film has a great heart and soul, full of hilarious and subtle writing, never being pretentious or indulgent. It's warm, and what it doesn't do in acting (which is good, but not great), it does in character development and just good writing. It's also nice to see Johnny Depp in a role before he really became famous. He's much more subdued here and not quite so over the top. Both Depp and Masterson give descent performances, but Quinn and Moore lack charisma. They lack a whole lot of charisma. It's very underrated and overlooked. It's too bag people don't look into it more often.

2012-05-16 12:16:26

the eyes do all the acting

johnny depp is truly amazing in his portrale of sam in benny and joon. if you just watch his eyes throughout the movie it's amazing the effect you get. sam's buster keaton acts are fantastic and i love the clothes he wears. he always is in some kind of suit. he is extremly cute in this movie and his acting in phenomonal. so if u wanna see the cutest look for johnny depp, amazing acting, and some really good laughs, see benny and joon, you won't be dissapointed.

2012-05-16 02:58:30

Well-acted little gem

Like many, I'm a huge fan of Johnny Depp. And I would argue that his performance as a quirky performer of physical comedy is one of his best. Plus, it is a performance that works very well in a movie with so much oddity and sweetness.Overall, I would call this a romantic comedy. But it goes deeper than that, beyond the usual boy-meets-girl to the heart-breaking story of a brother and sister who cannot let each other go even when each has found his/her soulmate. The acting is stellar (not just Depp's!) and this is a story that should be appreciated for its sincerity and warmth and the courage to tackle the issue of mental illness while still keeping this a comedy.Well-done, all around.

2012-05-15 10:23:44

A trip through hell

Those who describe this story as "cute" and Joon as "quirky" aren't paying attention. For me, this movie was a trip through hell with a final destination of insanity. The writers slickly throw just enough whitewash on top to let most people ignore the darkness. Yes, Depp is great, given what he has to work with, but overall I am very sorry that I was subjected to this horribly stupid, insensitive movie.

Leonard Klady 2012-05-06 21:16:54

3.5

Nicole 2012-05-06 11:21:00

An amazing movie.

**CAUTION: may contain spoilers**I first saw this movie on TV one night, a long time ago. I barelyremembered anything about it except that I liked it, so when I saw it wasonTV again, I made sure to watch it.WOW! I had forgotten how moving this film is. Joon's mental illness,whilenever classified as specifically this or that, is still realisticallyportrayed. Mary Stuart Masterton's portrayal of the character evokes arange of emotions. While watching this movie, I laughed at the humor, butcried at the very real dark moments. And dark moments there are; thismovieis far from sugary-sweet. The scene on the bus still gives mechills.I am a huge fan of Johnny Depp; it's a rare actor that can express as muchas he can without using words. Although this talent of his is probablybestshown in Edward Scissorhands, the character of Sam is another perfectvehicle for him.Aidan Quinn was good as Joon's brother, Benny. He played the protectiveolder brother perfectly; he and Joon had real chemistry on thescreen.And, of course, the romance involved serves to remind each of us that,hopeless though it may sometimes seem, there is love waiting for each ofus,no matter what our problems or disabilities may be.

Robbins-2 2012-04-28 13:49:56

comment, ppl!

here i am writing again because there's no comments for this movie at themoment.it was just on tv last night. i really love this movie.it's funny, sweet, and definitely a good use of my time.i have a complaint about the memorable quotes section.the best one was missed:Joon:(to Sam): you're out of your tree.Sam: It's not my tree.i think you have to see the movie to get it.anyways, everyone should see this flick!

2012-04-27 15:42:08

Benny & Joon

This review is from: Benny and Joon (DVD) A wonderful but somewhat little-known film that continues to add to the range of Johnny Depp.

TxMike 2012-04-24 23:49:29

Just one of those movies I never get tired of watching, a strong "8" of 10 from me.

SPOILERS -- There is nothing the writer/director/producer team did before orafter that would indicate they were likely to produce such a fine film as"Benny and Joon", so named for the polar opposite brother and sistercharacters played by Aiden Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson. But the film isabout neither. Instead, it is about the healing power of having someone likeSam (Johnny Depp) come into your life. A secondary theme is a playout of the common concept that to be creative,you have to be quirky (Joon and Sam), while being logical (Benny, thecaretaker and mechanic) carries with it the mandate that you also be dull,unimaginative. I forgive this minor failing because the film is so welldone.Joon (Juniper) is called "crazy" by Benny when he gets frustrated. But we,the audience, see that Joon is not crazy at all, just mildly emotionallychallenged. In fact she is very smart, so much so she loses a hand in pokerand "wins" for herself and Benny the care of Sam, who was the cousin of oneof the friendly gamblers. She had noticed Sam in the neighborhood, oftensitting in a tree, and was obviously intrigued by him. Later, when they met,she said, "You're not in your tree." He replied, "It's not my tree." That'sthe kind of smart, fitting dialog in this story.While Benny and the social worker are debating whether Joon is too much forBenny, and perhaps should be in an institutional environment, Sam become apositive fixture in her life. She finds her "soul mate." They experimentwith kissing. He teaches her how to make grilled cheese sandwiches with theiron on the "wool" setting. He does tricks with his hat. He is anaccomplished mime. Sam gets a job at the video store. They fall in love.Benny breaks out of his dullness, finally starts paying attention to thelocal waitress Ruthie (Julianne Moore). All catalyzed by Sam, who in thefinal analysis is the most well-adjusted of the bunch.The music is well-chosen, mainly whimsical, with good use of clarinets andoboes. Other actors with smaller but important roles are Oliver Platt, DanHedaya, and William H. Macy.

setsail98 2012-04-24 17:23:01

Warm and deeply touching

The movie has a lot of depth for the viewer.... Sam's cooking, acting,and desire to learn are stand out scenes. Benny's lack of "his ownself" time, the first time in Ruthie's apartment, and strong desire tomake his home situations work. Joon's mental illness, yet she graspsmany things missed by normal people. The whole story line isawesome.... imagine? One that is not profane or sexual based! I had towatch this movie twice to really see the breadth of it. I enjoyed quitea bit more the second time and plan on recording it. I came toappreciate the many spontaneous moments contained the second timearound.

2012-04-22 17:25:15

Karen's review of Benny & Joon

I think this is one of Johnny Depp's best movies. He is hilarious in this movie with silent Buster Keaton routines. It has a great storyline about a szizophrenic (sp?) and a dyslexic falling in love; but it's also about the relationship between the overprotective brother and his sister. Wonderful, cute little movie.

2012-04-22 09:31:44

Quirky, Fresh, and Wonderful

When you hit the Play button to start this movie, put all your expectations aside and prepare to be charmed by the entire cast of this delightfully quirky romantic comedy. Just watching Johnny Depp in this movie alone is well worth the price of the video! Two words: all good. Highly recommended!

2012-04-19 22:53:38

absolutely wonderful!!!

This review is from: Benny and Joon (DVD) I would recommend this film to anyone, not just Johnny Depp fans. It is wonderful and he is a true artist. Dealing with the mentally ill is never easy, on film or in real life but it is dealt with here. The difficulty of understanding how people feel and what they need. Mary Stuart Masterson was probably born for this part and this film no doubt, was supposed to make her a big star. Sadly for her, being in a film with Mr. Depp did not help her. He is so much more talented than anyone else, that he dominates the action and makes the rest of the characters look like, 'also featuring' extras. Julianne Moore has the worst lines ever and I did feel for her but Johnny Depp's 'Sam' is so much more interesting, that you hardly pay attention. There are also many actors in smaller roles, who will go on to greater things. Oliver Platt, William H. Macy, Danny Hedaya and Aidan Quinn, as Benny, barely manages, once again over-shadowed by our boy Johnny. Yes, I am an intense Johnny Depp fan but he has made a lot of terrible movies. This one is great. There are a few scenes that parents might not care for their young children to see but the PG rating is just fine. Buy it today!

Marjorie Baumgarten 2012-04-19 10:40:13

Benny & Joon wears its sensitivity on its sleeve and though it's a little hard to take at times, these actors make it all passable.

Wally Hammond 2012-04-18 04:14:50

It's acted out in the secondary emotional register of the glass menagerie: whimsical, delicate, idiosyncratic, barmy.

roybarb 2012-04-17 13:07:28

Quirky, sentimental favorite

A romantic comedy that is quirky but not stupid. The film hit all thenotesit set out to hit. The acting handled a delicate subject matter withoutgoing over the top. It did not make fun of the mentally challenged butportrayed them as they are, human beings with feelings and desires andgoals. Johnny Depp's character was a great tribute to the talents ofBusterKeaton and Charlie Chaplin on a subtle level and was enjoyable to watch.Ihighly recommend this film.

2012-04-12 20:28:04

Compassionate and interesting

Although I do not know anybody like the people in this movie, I was impressed with how humanely the mentally challenged were treated. The idea that they can (let alone have a right to)find romance is still problematic in many sectors of society. Although both Joon (Mary Stuart Mastersion) and Sam (Johnny Depp) are slightly atypical, they are very talented people in their own way. Their main problems stem from a society that does not understand their artistic and free spirited tendencies.Benny (Aidian Quinn) really tries to be a good brother,but he wants to overprotect Joon and does not realize that she is more capable of functioning than he presumes her to be. Although he has her best interests at heart, she is his last family member and feels obligated to protect her, but later realizes that his overreacting is part of the problem. This behavior is not atypical among parents and family with another member who has any kind of disability, so it is both inspiring and courageous for a major motion picture to show in a non-doccumentary way that independent living can be much more beneficial than they previously thought. Sam and Joon end up the perfect couple, and Benny starts to relax and get a life of his own. The movie is both charming and (capitalizing with the entertainment world's facination with the Pacific Northwest and the "grunge" life)beatiful. Unlike so many movies today, the romance and intimacy scenes are both romantic, obvious and tasteful.The soundtrack is also compatable with a variety of tastes and interests

2012-04-12 08:12:18

Amagical,moving,moviethatpeopleofallagesshouldsee!

Enter the world of imagination through a guy's point of view, who sees the world in a whole new way. Meet Sam, (Jonny Depp). Been & Joon's new "cousin," Joon had got in the game of poker. They meet Sam, only they don't know that he's some what different from all of the rest of them. He's creative, and not afraid of anyone who messes with him. This movie, when I first watched, I thought of how wonderful these actors can play such moving characters. Especially Mary Stuart Masterson, and Johnny Depp. "Benny & Joon" is a movie for everyone. If you love Depp's movies, then you gotta see "Benny & Joon." Such another outstanding, successful, performance by all the characters in this movie. Wonderful! Wonderul! Wonderful!

Jimi Paag 2012-04-08 11:10:34

Benny & Joon - Ten Stars!

This film is one of my all-time favorites. A "must" for any weirdperson like me who is looking for something he could relate to. JohnnyDepp never struck me as a 'stunning' actor. Then I saw 'Benny & Joon'.That reversed my opinion: he is definitely my favorite actor (I alsorecommend "Finding Neverland" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", amongothers). The music also gets a 'thumbs up', with tunes like JohnHiatt's "Have A Little Faith In Me" and The Proclaimers' "I'm GonnaBe", which became a pop hit after being featured in this film. Ifanyone told you that it was a 'chick-flick', they're wrong (I've neverbeen a chick-flick fan myself). Sure, it's not "Movies For Guys WhoLike Movies" material, but it is definitely one of the truly essentialmovies of its decade.

2012-04-08 00:29:26

Love this movie

One of my all time favorites- just a cute, feel good movie that is easy to watch.