Rating: 
Summary: Really good
Review: "Benny & Joon" ranks high on my list of favorite movies. The storyline is fairly unpretentious: Juniper "Joon" Pearl (Mary Stuart Masterson) is a slightly unbalanced young woman living with her overprotective brother Benny (Aidan Quinn). The two have been on their own since their parents were killed in a car accident years before. Joon requires constant supervision, as she has a tendency to light things on fire, but her sometimes volatile moods drive away one housekeeper after another. Juggling his life between work and looking after his sister, Benny has little time of his own. At last he must face a difficult choice - should he continue trying to find a housekeeper who can deal with Joon's eccentricities, or should he consider placing her in a group home, where perhaps others will do a better job of caring for her than he can?
Unable to find someone to look after Joon one night, Benny allows her to accompany him to his weekly poker game. And when Joon loses a hand, Benny suddenly finds himself saddled with an unexpected and not altogether welcome houseguest - Sam (Johnny Depp), the strange cousin one of Benny's friends can't wait to get rid of. Little do they realize how drastically this odd newcomer will affect their lives. Sam's quirky ways, particularly his unconventional method of making grilled cheese sandwiches, intrigue Joon as nothing ever has before. And having Sam around to look after Joon frees Benny up to pursue a romantic interest of his own with Ruthie (Julianne Moore), the pretty waitress at the corner restaurant. But as Joon's bond with Sam grows stronger, Benny finds himself torn at the idea that he may no longer be the central figure in his little sister's life.
It's a fun, cute, slightly off-beat romantic comedy, but it isn't all fluff. Unlike many others in the genre, this movie has some substance underneath. The emotions of the characters are genuine, and the brother / sister relationship between Benny and Joon is stressed just as much as the romantic one between Joon and Sam. Though the film contains quite an assortment of oddball characters, it manages to remain rooted in reality and stresses the important things in life. For all the funny, up-beat scenes, like Sam's hilarious physical comedy routines in the park, there are also some serious sequences. The scene on the bus where Sam gets his first real dose of the gravity of Joon's mental illness is probably the heaviest in the film.
We are never told exactly what is wrong with Joon. Seeing the movie for the first time, after hearing the terms "unbalanced" and "mentally ill" used to describe her, I had expected her illness to be more serious and overpowering than it actually appears to be. She's eccentric and moody, to be sure, but for most of the movie she seems to be quite sensible and sane, sometimes even more so than the other characters. However, she does sometimes hear voices, as we see in the aforementioned bus scene. My personal guess would be that Joon is mildly schizophrenic, and perhaps also somewhat manic depressive, to explain the volatile mood swings. But the important thing is that she does not see herself as "odd" or sick. It is the rest of the world, and Benny in particular, that must realize that perhaps Joon is capable of living a more normal, independent life than she has been allowed to so far.
The entire film is very well acted. I cannot think of a single cast member whose performance was not up to par. The stars of the show, of course, are Mary Stuart Masterson as Joon and the incomparable Johnny Depp as Sam. Masterson captures the nuances of Joon's character to perfection. One has no difficulty in believing her complex character to be genuine. And despite her oddities, she remains loveable throughout. Sam is just the kind of quirky character fans of Depp would expect him to play, and he carries it off beautifully as usual, here drawing heavily on the influences of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. His character is slightly more difficult to envision as an actual flesh-and-blood person than Joon's, but in the context of the movie it works. Aidan Quinn and Julianne Moore also turn in great performances, and smaller parts are contributed by Oliver Platt, C.C.H. Pounder, Dan Hedaya, Joe Grifasi, William H. Macy, and Liane Alexandra Curtis.
This is a film I imagine almost anyone could enjoy. It doesn't adhere rigidly to the typical romantic comedy formula, it's believable despite the occasionally far-fetched elements in its plot, and it is genuinely funny and moving by turns. It's also suitable for viewers of just about any age. Again unlike so many modern romantic movies, it does not depend on sex scenes to establish romance. In fact, the physical aspect of Sam and Joon's relationship is limited to just one fairly tame kiss. There's nothing here that parents need be concerned about having their little ones watch. The movie isn't overly long, either, clocking in at only 98 minutes.
The DVD special features are not overly impressive, though there is some worthwhile material. There are two deleted scenes. One is a sequence where Benny, impresed by Sam's physical comedy abilities, has arranged an audition for him with an agent. Unfortunately, there is no option to turn off the director commentary which is placed over the scene, so one can't actually hear the dialogue, which I would have liked. The other sequence is simply a full-size version of the horror movie scene that Benny, Joon, Sam, and Ruthie watch one night. Other special features include an audio commentary, a long series of costume and make-up tests, a stunt reel, the theatrical trailer, and a music video for the theme song "I'm Gonna Be" (a.k.a. "500 Miles") by The Proclaimers. In summary, this is a terrific, fun, feel-good movie with a decent DVD. Definitely worth adding to your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Johnny Depp shines in this touching romance
Review: "Benny and Joon" is the moving story of Benny (Aidan Quinn) and Joon (Mary Stuart Mastersen) Pearl, a brother and sister who have lived together for twelve years since their parents died. Joon suffers from mental illness, though throughout the movie there are scenes where she is profoundly sane.
Perhaps the most moving and surprising performance is Johnny Depp, whose dyslexic and extremely talented Sam brings light to Benny and Joon's sad life. Depp is amazing as he performs his Charlie Chaplinesque slapstick, eyes twinkling. But what makes his character even more enduring is that he loves Joon no matter how sick she may be. He wants her to get better and be free from the watchful eye of her over-protective brother. Depp's Sam proves that laughter is the best medicine. Watching this film will make you fall in love (or in my case, more in love!) with Johnny and it is a must-buy for anyone who enjoys pure romantic comedy at its lovliest.
Rating:
Summary: Johnny Depp shines in this touching romance
Review: "Benny and Joon" is the moving story of Benny (Aidan Quinn) and Joon (Mary Stuart Mastersen) Pearl, a brother and sister who have lived together for twelve years since their parents died. Joon suffers from mental illness, though throughout the movie there are scenes where she is profoundly sane.
Perhaps the most moving and surprising performance is Johnny Depp, whose dyslexic and extremely talented Sam brings light to Benny and Joon's sad life. Depp is amazing as he performs his Charlie Chaplinesque slapstick, eyes twinkling. But what makes his character even more enduring is that he loves Joon no matter how sick she may be. He wants her to get better and be free from the watchful eye of her over-protective brother. Depp's Sam proves that laughter is the best medicine. Watching this film will make you fall in love (or in my case, more in love!) with Johnny and it is a must-buy for anyone who enjoys pure romantic comedy at its lovliest.
Rating:
Summary: Do you need further proof of Depp's talents?
Review: A mechanic, Benny(Aiden Quinn) who has a mentally disabled sister, Joon(Mary Stuart Masterson) is a bit fed with her, she's always causing trouble and making the house-sitters quit, he's been taking care of her needs so long, he's forgotten his own needs and loss touch with the world a little. Finally when Sam(Johnny Depp) is won at a poker game he has to keep him over for his friend at his house for the night. Sam is an eccentric guy who is a crazy clownish man who cannot read, and tames Joon's wild heart.
Its a very sad movie, but has an ultimately happy ending.
What makes this film really work though, is the acting. The plot isn't entirely special, but the acting all around from Aiden Quinn to Mary Stuart Masterson to Julianne Moore, the acting is great!!! But the one who truly makes this film a worth-while experience is Depp, he lightens up every scene he is in. If you are just discovering Depp's extrordinary acting talents(if so, shame on you!), then this is a great place to start. He is absolutely hilarious and does some extrordinary physical comedy inspired by some of the greatest comedians of all times, Charlie Chaplin & Buster Keaton. So sit back, relax, and *enjoy* Benny&Joon! God Bless ~Amy
Rating: 
Summary: A tale for heart and mind
Review: A tale for heart and mind »Benny & Joon« is a movie about a car mechanic who lives with his mentally ill sister. Well, she's not THAT ill - but ill enough that Benny has to take care of her, and this even at the cost of not developing a life on his own. One day, a weirdo - played brilliantly by annoyingly good-looking Johnny Depp - comes to town. This is the start of changes in the life of Joon. And of Benny. This unusual movie has all a good movie needs. It is an interesting, moving and also entertaining story, told in a heartfelt way without being too sentimental. And fortunately it lacks the major drawbacks of Hollywood movie clichés!
Rating:
Summary: I Would Go 5,000 Miles
Review: Almost, but maybe not quite that far to see this beautiful, quirky movie. It's Johnny Depp's showcase as the soulful Sam with strong support from Mary Stuart Masterson (Joon-short for Juniper) and Aiden Quinn (Benny). Sam can barely read or write, but is a savant in the cinematic area, so much so, he doesn't just imitate Buster Keaton, he miraculously becomes Keaton. The photography is stunning, capturing the perfect town, the perfect park and even a perfect hospital. An added bonus is the sublime soundtrack featuring the Proclaimers "I'm Gonna Be (5,000 Miles)," Sam's beguiling song. Before Sam ambled into their lives, Benny was an over-worked, over-protective brother who gave his entire life to hovering over his disturbed younger sister. Joon precariously threads her way between "somewhat strange" and outright nuts. She is smothered, but not strong enough to struggle through the cobwebs. Sam is the catalyst for both of them. He falls in love with Joon and implacably, but innocently sets her free. Sam has a certain ferocious clarity in his view of the world that allows Joon to follow. The hilarious exchange between Benny and Sam is the heart of the movie: Sam: How sick is she? Benny: Oh she's plenty sick. Sam: Oh, because you know, it seems to me that, aside from being a little mentally ill, she's pretty normal. You will enjoy Benny & Joon on many levels. It will make you smile and laugh out loud, you will be touched in spite of yourself, and definitely feel better for the experience.
Rating:
Summary: Compassionate and interesting
Review: 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
Rating: 
Summary: Awful
Review: An art-nazi tour de force. Hideously cute. Avoid it at all costs unless you enjoy saccharine humor and sensitivity. I guess it could be useful in stirring the souls of the emotionally dead into feeling a new form of nothing.
Rating:
Summary: Very Sweet
Review: An enjoyable movie. Good acting, funny plot, and great characters. I thoroughly recommend this movie, especially to Johnny Depp fans.
Rating:
Summary: An odd wonderful dramatic romantic comedy.
Review: An Normal but Mentally Ill Artist named Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) falls in love with a Odd Quirky Outsider named Sam (Johnny Deep), who has the Talent and does Tribute to his favorite Comedian Star:Buster Keaton. But her Over-Protective Brother named Benny (Aidan Quinn), who doesn`t want her to be seen with Sam but the love between Sam and Joon is Stronger than anyone think. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik (The Avengers) has made a Bittersweet Romantic Comedy. This film has a great supporting cast-Including:Julianne Moore, Oliver Platt, C.H.H. Pounder, Dan Hedaya, Joe Grifasi and William H. Macy. This is a Rare Film, which has become a classic genuine film. Grade:A-.
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