Private Benjamin (1980)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Private Benjamin proves a potent showcase for its Oscar-nominated star, with Hawn making the most of a story that rests almost completely on her daffily irresistible charm.
Private Benjamin Videos
Private Benjamin Photos
Movie Info
Watch it now
Cast
as Judy Benjamin
as Doreen Lewis
as Henri Tremont
as Teddy Benjamin
as Sgt. Jim Ballard
as Clay Thornbush
as Yale Goodman
as Harriet
as Pvt. Mary Lou Glass
as Rabbi
as Aunt Kissy
as Helga
as Aunt Betty
as Vocalist at Wedding
as Bandleader
as Arnie
as Mr. Waxman
as Photographer
as Mrs. Goodman
as Harvey Goodman
as Stanley Goodman
as Limo Passerby
as Newscaster
as Induction Officer
as Sgt. L.C. Ross
as Pvt. Gianelli
as Pvt. Gloria Moe
as Pvt. P.J. Soyer
as Pvt. Wanda Winter
as Capt. William Woodbridge
as Drill Instructor
as Red Team Soldier #1
as Red Team Soldier #2
as Slick Guy
as Kim Osaka
as Red Team Soldier #3
as Leo Lemish
as Referee
as Liz Lemish
as Helicopter Pilot
as Brig. Gen. Foley
as Mrs. Thornbush
as Lt. Rahmi
as Gabrielle
as Mrs. Tremont
as Mayor
News & Interviews for Private Benjamin
Critic Reviews for Private Benjamin
All Critics (31) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (25) | Rotten (6) | DVD (1)
"Private Benjamin" seems coarse, sluggish and interminable as a comedy scenario, but the profoundly depressing aspect of it is that Goldie Hawn appears to be receding as a comedienne and emerging as a boss lady.
[Hawn's] not so gifted that she can carry a heavy load of indifferent material on her own two little shoulders, without considerable sagging.
Another depressing example of the big-screen gag-string sitcom, it turns exclusively on a plot that grew from a concept that developed from an idea that somebody should never have had - Goldie Hawn joins the army.
Mr. Zieff demonstrates great skill in keeping the gags aloft and in finding new ways by which to free the laughs trapped inside old routines about latrine duty, war games, forced marches and calisthenics.
This is arguably although unfortunately Goldie Hawn's most memorable role.
It's basically a one-joke effort, but that joke has Hawn throwing herself with great gusto into the role of a bewildered spoilt brat who comes good and her Oscar-nominated performance has huge charm.
Audience Reviews for Private Benjamin
One half of this situation comedy has a one joke premise that wears thin fast, that of a poor little rich girl forced to live out of her ivory tower. Ho-hum. The other half is essentially that all men are jerks and thus unreliable. Lesser Goldie Hawn. Pass.
Super Reviewer
Thinking that it's a vacation spot, Jewish American Princess joins the Army. Goldie Hawn, whose work never impressed me before, gives an excellent performance, mostly in her silence. Her cold, hurt stare at her father when her parents come to pick her up from boot camp, her dead-pan sex scene - she's great in the in-between moments. The film's femme-power message is good, but most of the story belies believability. Even the dumbest person wouldn't believe the myths about vacation condos in the Army, Private Benjamin's defeat of the opposing squad, the lecherous superior officer, her time in Paris, even the cliche of girls sitting around talking about how they lost their virginity - it's all too trite and too convenient and bespeaks heavy-handed writing. This story doesn't unfold; it jumps. Overall, Hawn's work is remarkable, but the film's flimsy plot leaves much to be desired.
Super Reviewer
Goldie Hawn -- I remember when she was cute. Sadly, cute grimaces don't make up for talent.
Super Reviewer
Private Benjamin Quotes
| Judy Benjamin: | I did join the Army, but I joined a different Army. I joined the one with the condos and the private rooms. |
Discussion Forum
Discuss Private Benjamin on our Movie forum!