Private Benjamin
The Army was no laughing matter until Judy Benjamin joined it.
When her husband dies on the wedding night Judy decides to join the army. What looks like a bad decision at first, turns out not so bad at all. That is, until her superior makes sexual advances. She is transferred to NATO headquarters in Europe and (re)meets the Frenchman Henri. Judy and Henri decide to marry, but will they ?
Member Reviews
A Surprise! - Craigan
For me this film was a big surprise hit. It was much funnier and a more involved story than I ever expected. The film starts out especially strong and continues as such through the first couple acts. The final act of the film was lacking something and I think it has to do with the fact that the films setting moves from the army training grounds to a European army base. The change of setting and addition of new characters did not work for me. As a whole the film is just average and follows the genera stereotypes to a tee.A Great Movie with a Great Character Story to Tell - Purcel
A cute movie that rests quite abit on the talents of Goldie Hawn and Eileen Brennan, who pull it off with great ease.
The opening scenes with Goldie Hawn as the pampered princess who has to deal with the trauma of her husband, who dies on their wedding night has all the potential for quick-witted comedy, typical of most Goldie Hawn movies, but I believe becomes much much more.
Watching her struggle with basic training with her less than sympathetic drill Sargent offers some great one liners but watching Goldie Hawn find herself and become more then a would be housewife again was great. She finds confidence and becomes independent.
But than the film takes a bit of a nosedive as Armand Assante enters the picture and Judy loses everything she's learned and even quits the Army for him. Goldie Hawn begins to change back into her old self, changing everything to marry him, but after realizing how he has been treating her, she dumps him at their wedding choosing to live an independent life.
Although the movie slows down, once the Army sequences are gone, it's still a great movie with lots to offer especially in Goldie Hawn's character's development.Anti-Feminist Crud - FilmJunkie
Goldie Hawn as a military officer? Suspend your disbelief, because this film actually has some funny moments. The early sex scene with Albert Brooks is great, but the film loses itself when Benjamin relocates to Belgium and falls in love. The standout is Eileen Brennan (known to me always as Mrs. Peacock from 'Clue' (1985)) as the crazed and drunk captain who serves as Benjamin's antagonist. A silly fun film.
Member Reviews
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A Surprise! - Craigan
For me this film was a big surprise hit. It was much funnier and a more involved story than I ever expected. The film starts out especially strong and continues as such through the first couple acts. The final act of the film was lacking something and I ...A Great Movie with a Great Character Story to Tell - Purcel
A cute movie that rests quite abit on the talents of Goldie Hawn and Eileen Brennan, who pull it off with great ease.
The opening scenes with Goldie Hawn as the pampered princess who has to deal with the trauma of her husband, who dies on their wedding ...Anti-Feminist Crud - FilmJunkie
Goldie Hawn as a military officer? Suspend your disbelief, because this film actually has some funny moments. The early sex scene with Albert Brooks is great, but the film loses itself when Benjamin relocates to Belgium and falls in love. The standout is Eileen ...