Benji – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Benji

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2018

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A stray mutt with a heart of gold rescues kidnapped kids in this earnest, safe-but-unremarkable Netflix remake of the 1974 classic.

56%

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Benji

movie

PG, 2018

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A stray mutt with a heart of gold rescues kidnapped kids in this earnest, safe-but-unremarkable Netflix remake of the 1974 classic.

56%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a perfectly serviceable family dog movie that does exactly what it says on the tin—nothing more, nothing less. Benji is adorable, the kids are likable, the bad guys are bumbling enough to not be truly scary, and everything wraps up with a bow.

The problem? It's just kind of... fine. The 2018 remake doesn't bring much new to the table beyond updated production values and a New Orleans setting. Critics were lukewarm (56% on Rotten Tomatoes), and even the Letterboxd rating of 2.9/5 suggests this is forgettable comfort viewing rather than must-see cinema.

That said, if you've got a 6-8 year old who loves dogs and can handle a little suspense, this will absolutely work for family movie night. It's safe, it's wholesome, and it won't make you want to claw your eyes out as a parent. Just don't expect it to become anyone's new favorite film.

Age Fit

Best for kids 6-10 who can handle mild suspense and appreciate a classic dog-hero story. The kidnapping plot pushes it past preschool territory, but elementary-age kids will find it engaging without being overwhelmed. Tweens may find it too simplistic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong moral worldview centered on loyalty, compassion, and family bonds. The sibling relationship is warm, the dog's devotion is heartwarming, and themes of faith and honoring parents are woven throughout without being preachy. The kidnapping plot introduces appropriate tension but resolves positively. Some emotional weight from the children's deceased father, but handled sensitively.

Imaginative

A straightforward rescue adventure that hits familiar beats—lovable stray, kids in peril, heroic dog saves the day. The flashback structure showing Benji's origin adds some narrative texture, and the New Orleans setting provides color, but this is largely a by-the-numbers remake that doesn't push creative boundaries. It's competent rather than inspired.

Safe

TV-PG rated with mild peril that's appropriate for elementary-age kids. The kidnapping sequence creates suspense without graphic violence, though there's a gun brandished and brief animal mistreatment shown. These moments may unsettle sensitive kids under 6, but the tone stays family-friendly and the resolution is reassuring. No language concerns, no inappropriate content—just classic adventure tension.

Enriching

Delivers clear lessons about compassion for animals, bravery in the face of danger, and the power of loyalty. The Christian moral framework (prayer, faith, doing right) will resonate with some families. However, it's more about reinforcing existing values than sparking deep discussion. The 87-minute runtime keeps things moving, but there's limited cognitive challenge or lasting insight beyond 'dogs are good and loyal.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Benji himself is genuinely charming—the dog's performance carries the movie and will melt hearts
Clear moral lessons about loyalty, compassion, and doing the right thing without being heavy-handed
Brisk 87-minute runtime keeps younger viewers engaged without dragging
The kidnapping-rescue plot provides just enough suspense to feel like a real adventure without traumatizing anyone
Strong option for families who appreciate faith-based messaging woven into entertainment

⚠

What to Watch For

The kidnapping sequence and gun-brandishing robbers may be scary for kids under 6—gauge your child's tolerance for mild peril
Brief flashback showing a dog being mistreated could upset sensitive animal lovers
The deceased father backstory adds emotional weight but isn't dwelled upon
Middling critical reception (56% on Rotten Tomatoes) reflects competent but uninspired execution—this won't blow anyone away

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you found a stray dog like Benji? How would you convince me to keep him?"
"Benji was really brave when the kids were in danger. What's the bravest thing you've ever done?"
"The robbers made bad choices that got them in trouble. Why do you think they decided to kidnap the kids instead of just running away?"
"If you could train a dog to do one amazing trick, what would it be?"

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