"Benji's Very Own Christmas Story" is a 25-minute live action short film from 1978, so this one will have its 40th anniversary soon already and the title character Benji is a dog that was included in quite a few films and projects back then. So here is his film about the holidays, perhaps his most known. But the title is misleading as the star in the center of the story here is clearly Ron Moody playing Kris Kringle about a decade after his career-defining film Oliver! Now we shall take about that one on another occasion. This one here sadly did not really get me into the Christmas spirit despite the set decoration and costumes. Moody is trying his best, but the story will never have you on the edge of your seat. And with Benji so forgettable in terms of the plot, it's not one for canine lovers. The other human characters, i.e. his owners, were just as uninteresting. It's a showpiece for Moody, but there is nothing of substance built around him when it comes to story, characters, emotion etc. The Emmy nomination (lost to Sesame Street) may have been a bit too much already. Shame. I really thought I'd like this better. Don't watch.
Benji's Very Own Christmas Story
(1978 TV Movie)
The focus does not match the title
8 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers