Benji's Very Own Christmas Story

I rated this a 6, and at least a couple of those stars are purely because of the nostalgia factor since I vaguely remember watching this as a kid.

The story is just okay...something Christmasy to watch if you haven't seen it in 40 plus years or just want some holiday background noise. Benji doesn't do too much in this movie...he mostly just gets carried around. Kids may find it entertaining...I probably liked it more 40 years ago.

I just watched this for the first time in more years than I could recall. Could I have missed it when it originally aired in 78? I'm not sure but nothing looked familiar.

I decided to look this up and see what other people thought but I think IMDb.com users have gotten it all wrong. If you're not a Benji and/or extreme nostalgia fan (both of which I very much am) than steer clear. But if you are then check this out. It didn't get nom'd for an Emmy for nothing. It's very entertaining.

Santa is the star of the show. The story does a great job of establishing his different appearances all over the world. This is what I found most interesting. Moody, as Santa, also does an okay Oliver!-style musical number.

Sure, the makeup is extremely cheesy, Benji gets precious little to do, the girl from the Benji flicks is a little annoying (what else is new :D), but calling this bottom of the barrel is completely unfair and out of line. Don't believe it! I pulled this out of the bargain bin for about $6. Worth every penny. I also have the first 2 Benji flicks (I love those, especially the top notch original). Those first couple of Benji dogs were great little actors. He's just a set piece in this but still provides some Christmas warmth.

Patsy and Cynthia go to Switzerland so Benji can be Grand Marshall in a parade. When they arrive they find that Kris Kringle has a broken leg and will not be delivering gifts on Christmas. But, his leg may not be the problem. If it were not for Ron Moody (who played Fagin in the movie Oliver)the movie would be a total bust. He is quite the actor and showman. Other than the fact that they were in Switzerland for Benji to be in a parade, he was pretty much just carried around and had very little interaction in the movie. The dog had no personality and seemed disinterested during the whole movie. Did I mention it was VERY short. I know it was listed as a short and short it was..

Actor Ron Moody steals the show as Kris Kringle. His comedic timing, wit, and musical abilities showcase the many sides of his character, as seen through the eyes of people all over the world. The main characters along with Benji are taken on a unique behind-the-scenes view of Santa's operation. These depictions are ahead of their time, ideas that other Santa movie franchises would borrow and extrapolate on in future decades. It's good-natured, timeless, family fun for all.

It says that it's Benji's Christmas Story, but he doesn't do nothing in this special! Much of the focus is on Santa, who's going to cancel Christmas because of his broken foot (of course it's not broke). The elves are okay (Needles and Pins are Santa's tailors, of course) but the girl's pretty annoying.

If you're a Christmas Fan( which some people are), you might want to watch it, but if you're a Benji fan, you're going to hate it.