Ironically,"Benji: Off the Leash!" works best when the film goes to the dogs.

Series creator Joe Camp found an adorable new canine performer — a female mixed-breed terrier — to play the male lead character in the first "Benji" big-screen adventure in more than 15 years . And she's a real natural, a pooch the camera loves.

Would that the same could be said for this film's human performers. Some of them are almost unwatchable, and the dumb slapstick will probably appeal strictly to youngsters.

Also, despite its family-friendly PG rating, "Benji: Off the Leash!" does contain some dark story elements involving animal neglect and cruelty. And though they are mostly just referred to, it may be cause for concern to some parents.

This film is related to the other cinematic "Benji" tales in name only. Benji is a puppy that's been abandoned by Terrence Hatchett (Chris Kendrick), a would-be dog breeder running a kennel in his back yard. However, Hatchett's son Colby (Nick Whitaker) has taken pity on the pup and given him shelter in his forest fort. But the crafty canine has been sneaking out, and appears to have plans to free his mother, who's ailing in her pen.

Meanwhile, two bungling animal-control officers (Randall Newsome and Duane Stephens) have been pursuing another stray, which they've nicknamed "Lizard Tongue," because of his abnormally long tongue. Their pursuit of this mischievous pooch leads them to Hatchett's kennel, and they're appalled by the inhumane conditions. However, they're unable to get the evidence they need to close it down and free the imprisoned dogs.

At times, it seems as if cast members are making this up as they go along. And Whitaker is a little stiff and awkward, especially when he's acting with the animals and is forced into the lead role.

Still, there's a real star quality to this new Benji, as well as Shaggy, the dog playing Lizard Tongue.

Writer/director Camp might have been better off trimming back the other parts of the movie and just concentrating on them.

"Benji: Off the Leash!" is rated PG for violence (mostly slapstick), some brief drug content (use of tranquilizer darts, done for laughs) and use of some mildly vulgar slang terms. Running time: 101 minutes.

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