Review of Private Benjamin (1980) by Jim H — 06 Aug 2013
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.
This review of Private Benjamin (1980) was written by Jim H on 06 Aug 2013.
Private Benjamin has generally received positive reviews.
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