Reviews (87)

Whimsical Romantic Comedy
This movie was filmed in my hometown in Washington state. I got to see part of it being filmed. The diner in the film, where Julianne Moore works, is my brother in law's. So, needless to say, this interesting film hits close to our hearts. In the film, Johnny Depp stars as an eccentric character who goes to live with Benny(Aidan Quinn), and his mentally unstable sister Joon(Mary Stuart Masterson). You see, Benny lost a poker game and had to take Sam(Depp)in. That part is a little hokey. The two eccentric characters of Sam and Joon click and start a secretive relationship. They don't want big brother Benny to find out. There are a few delightful moments of whimsical silliness that makes this movie quite charming. Depp showcases his brilliant talent for physical comedy. His Buster Keaton routine is priceless. His Chaplin shtick in the diner is a classic. By the way, the jukebox in the diner was a prop. It's not ours. Masterson is quite effective as Joon. They are both very believeable. Aidan Quinn is solid as the overprotective brother Benny. A good performance. Dan Hedaya and CCH Pounder also star. The movie was directed by Jeremiah Chechick, who also did "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". This is a sweet little movie with a sweet little story. Might want to check it out.

LOVE CONQUERS ALL...
This is a quirky romantic comedy about two people who, deemed as misfits by society, fall in love with each other. Featuring outstanding performances by the entire cast, this is a film that lets the viewer know that there is, indeed, someone for everyone.

When eccentric Sam (Johnny Depp) enters the lives of a brother and sister, Benny (Aidan Quinn) and Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson), he changes their lives forever. Benny, it seems, is always worried about his sister who seems to be autistic. He treats her like a baby, making sure that she is never left alone. Highly intelligent, creative, and articulate, Joon, however, chafes a bit under the thumb of her protective older brother, but she does have some issues, as there are certain things that act as triggers for some odd behavior on her part.

When Sam begins living with Benny and Joon, acting as a housekeeper-babysitter, Sam treats Joon like a regular person, and before you know it they are falling in love, each accepting the quirks of the other with complete equanimity. Meanwhile, Benny is attracted to Ruthie (Julianne Moore), who owns the local diner. The only thing is that he cannot seem to concentrate on romance, as he is so worried about what the future holds for his sister.

There are some twists and turns in the romances between Sam and Joon, as well as in that of Benny and Ruthie. There are some very funny moments, as well as those filled with genuine pathos. There is also a certain amount of physical comedy reminiscent of that of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. In the hands of the adept Johnny Depp, it works.

This is a film that will be enjoyed by those who love off-beat, beautifully acted films. Bravo!

He's On A Roll!
The scene with Benny, June and Sam in the diner makes it worth buying this movie! The roll-and-fork scene and plate juggling, shows that Depp is SO much more than a handsomely pretty face.

Beautifully acted love story.
This film features Johnny Depp as Sam a quirky off beat character who moves in with brother and sister, Benny and Joon (played by Aiden Quinn and Mary Stuart Masterson) after Benny loses at a card game.
Benny takes care of his ill, troubled sister and initially is grateful to have Sam there to help care for her, especially as Sam seems to understand Joon and brings laughter into their home. As Sam and Joon's relationship starts to deepen into love however Benny protective instincts kick in and he becomes hostile and angry.
Very strong acting from all the leads stop this film from becoming too schmaltzy. The result is a beautiful film, which has a perfect balance of humour and pathos. Highly recommended

Johnny Depp is excellent
But what else is old? "Benny and Joon" tells the unlikely love story of a mentally ill woman, Joon (Mary Stuart Masterson) and an odd man who walks around doing Buster Keaton impressions, Sam (Johnny Depp). Sam comes to live with Joon and her brother, Benny (Aidan Quinn) after Joon loses a card game in which Sam was part of the stakes (he had previously been living with his cousin, who could not stand him). Sam and Joon fall in love, leaving Benny in the dark as he tries to sort out his own romantic life involving a waitress (Julianne Moore).

The movie is charming, funny, and not as by-the-book as one might think. All of the actors give great performances, but the standout is Johnny Depp, as usual. He obviously put a great deal of time into preparing for this role, studying the old silent film stars. It pays off greatly. It's hard to rank Johnny Depp's performances, but I would put this one up towards the top.

All in all, if you want to see an original romantic comedy, rent this movie. It's extremely entertaining. I just cannot recommend it enough -- see it as soon as possible. I give it four stars because it's by far not the best movie I've ever seen, but nonetheless it's very good. ... Read more