Benny And Joon (Wide Screen) > Reviews > "You can't throw him out, I won him!"

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Very funny, warm and cheerful entertainment,   PLUS you get Johnny Depp !
Disadvantages:	Finishes too quick !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Watching one of my favourite DVDs, I finally decided that I would attempt to review it for Ciao, this being the case, here I go!

Benny and Joon originally made in 1993 is one of my favourite films. I bought it on DVD on E Bay for£5.65, when I was looking for more Johnny Depp matter to watch! It is a romantic comedy with a good storyline, some excellent one-liners, and some very memorable slapstick/comedy routines, set to very inspiring music.

Cast of Main Actors

Johnny Depp ………….... Sam
Mary Stuart Masterson .... Juniper 'Joon' Pearl
Aidan Quinn………….... Benjamin 'Benny' Pearl
Julianne Moore ……….... Ruthie
Oliver Platt ...................... Eric

The Central Characters

Benjamin 'Benny' Pearl - Older brother of Joon, and her only family for the last 12 years. Benny works as a motor mechanic, whilst he tries to find housekeepers to keep any eye on his sister, so that he doesn't have to "Farm her out" to a Group Home, as suggested by the Psychiatric Evaluation team. Benny has no social life to speak of, apart from the odd game of poker with his workmates, which he can take Joon along for.

Juniper 'Joon' Pearl - Younger sister of Benny, suffering from mental health 'Episodes' when under stress. Joon is a very good artist, and has a fondness for setting light to things. Joon has had a series of housekeepers, but finds them all hard to accept, as her routine which is very important, gets changed.

Sam - 26 year old cousin of one of Benny's poker playing friends. Sam has problems with reading and writing, he is an eccentric, and an avid Buster Keeton and Charlie Chaplin fan, this is shown in his appearance and behaviour from his first appearance in the film. Sam seems to be a misunderstood young man, and although he appears 'slow', seems to like to think things through at his own pace. 'A street performer/ mime artist' is the best way that I can described his slapstick humour.

The Story

The story is built around Benny unsuccessfully trying to get balance into his life, while caring for his sister, and protect her from everything that could possibly upset or harm her. He turns down dates and does not like Joon to leave the house. Joon on the other hand, has got to an age where she wishes to have some of life's experiences herself.

One evening at a poker game Joon plays, the stakes are as always, things that the players can bear to part with… the only-used-once soap on a rope, the lava lamp, the unwanted cousin… guess what Joon wins!

The film then goes on to show how the relationship between the brother and sister changes when there is another person in the equation. Sam brings entertainment and fun into their lives, with his actions that echo his hero's Buster Keeton and Charlie Chaplin's antics in the silent movies. After Sam has 'cooked' the cheese sandwiches with the iron, there is a lovely conversation between Benny and Joon which goes something like:

Joon: He can really cook, can't he?
Benny: Yeah, although for grilled cheese, I might use the wool setting.
Joon: That's what I told him.
Benny: Really? What did he use?
Joon: Rayon. Silk would have been too soggy. Cotton would have...
Benny: Would have burned it.
Joon: Right. Fortunately, he consulted me before giving it steam. I was four square against it."

My Opinions

Johnny Depp gave a wonderful performance, as Sam. I would watch it for the sketches and comic routines alone! His acting with Mary Stuart Masterson was very natural and relaxed, and the parts they played were very convincing.

Mary Stuart Masterson was successful in her portrayal of a young woman with mental health problems. She did not 'overact', and was I think, successful in the main challenge of having an "Episode".

Aidan Quinn gave a good performance, as the brother torn between finding a love interest, and protecting his sister to all costs. His anger with Sam at one point was very well portrayed, as was the way he felt a little 'pushed out' as Joon and Sam developed their friendship.

I love the film, it makes me laugh each time I see it, my husband laughed when he saw it too. I would highly recommend it, as a relaxing, heart warming film, and of course the young Johnny Depp is always a pleasure to observe!

The Music

The Proclaimers "I'm gonna be" (500 miles) - apparently chosen by Mary Stuart Masterson, brings the film to life, giving it an upbeat appeal. There are also several other songs featured in the film, which do not appear on the soundtrack cd. but I will list here for information only:

"PINETOP'S BOOGIE WOOGIE" Written and Performed by Joe 'Pinetop' Perkins.
"PUSHIN' FORWARD BACK" Written by Christopher J. Cornell, Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament. Performed by Temple of the Dog.
"HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME" Written and Performed by John Hiatt
"CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME" Written by Steve Winwood, Performed by Joe Cocker.

The remaining music, which is by Rachel Portman is truly brilliant, it has all the feel of the silent movies, the different arrangement for each character and mood is excellent, and adds so much to the overall effect.

Other Facts:

Widescreen version
Running time 1 hour and 34 minutes.
12 Certificate
This dvd package design is dated 2004, although I believe it was on dvd a couple of years or so before this.
Release Company - MGM Home Entertainment
Directed by - Jeremiah Checkik
Filming location - Spokane, Washington

DVD Extras include:
Scene Selection
Language/ Subtitles Options in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.
Original Theatrical Trailer
There are no interviews or further insights into the making of the film on this dvd, which I find a little bit disappointing.

I would love to tell you more of the funny things that happen in the film, but it would spoil it for your first watch! 

Pictures for the review

Display pictures

Benny and Joon