Benny & Joon (1993)

Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. Starring Aidan Quinn, Mary Stuart Masterson, Johnny Depp, Julianne Moore, CCH Pounder, Dan Hedaya, Oliver Platt, Joe Grifasi, William H. Macy. [PG-13]

Aggrieved mechanic Benny (Quinn) cares for his schizophrenic sister, Joon (Masterson), unwilling to abandon her to professional care and unable to pursue other relationships because his life is “complicated.” Then, through a shamefaced contrivance, an illiterate social misfit named Sam (Depp)—with more than a passing interest in the genius of Buster Keaton—comes to live with them and becomes romantically involved with Joon. Well-meaning and touching at times; eschews the saccharine that would sink most similar pictures while nevertheless overdosing on the whimsy. The script conveniently glosses over harsher realities for the sake of precious moments and crowd-pleasing catharsis. Depp gets to dig deep into his sandbox of oddball mannerisms and has a few amusing moments (though most of his rehashed silent comedy bits do little besides remind just how brilliant the original stars were), but it’s Quinn’s journey that matters most—an otherwise thankless role, but he’s the true heart of the story. Popularized the Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” in the US, an appropriate soundtrack choice for the movie considering that it’s both grating and irresistible.

59/100