30 Underrated Movies, Day 17

I remember when I was a child, I’m guessing around the age of  8 or 9. I knew I liked boys, I just wasn’t sure why yet. Anyway, I had my very first celebrity crush. I saw him on a rerun of “21 Jump Street.” That’s right, my first celebrity crush was Johnny Depp, and I’ve been a loyal fan ever since. I remember the conversation so well. I was sitting Indian style on the floor, the television had the knobs you had to turn on the side. My poor mother, she looks at me and says, “Kristian Lorraine, that man is old enough to be your father!”

And without missing a beat, I replied, “Well, I guess he’d probably take pretty good care of me then, wouldn’t he?”

Oh my gosh, if my mother were still alive I would go hug her and thank her for putting up with my sass and sarcasm. But I’d be lying if I said I’m not just a little bit proud of that quick-witted, little girl.

Today’s choice is an underrated Johnny Depp film. I’m always surprised when I tell people this is one of my top 5 favorite movies and they haven’t even heard of it!

Kristian’s 17th underrated movie is:

Benny and Joon (1992) Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechick

Juniper Pearl, known as Joon to those who know her personally, is a mentally challenged artist who needs around the clock care. After their parents died, Benny, Joon’s brother moves her in with him. He hires housekeepers to care for her while he is working as the owner and operator of a garage. After he has exhausted all of his housekeepers because Joon is too much to handle, Benny thinks about putting  her into a group home; However, Benny loses a game of poker and is stuck with his buddy’s eccentric cousin.

This movie is so heartwarming and funny. I cracked up laughing quite a few times throughout its duration. Johnny Depp is phenomenal!

The soundtrack to this movie is also one of my favorites. This movie introduced me to the song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers, which remains one of my favorite songs today!

There’s quite a bit of me in this movie actually.  Perhaps I should have put this on the “List of Movies to Watch if You Want to Get to Know Me,” post I wrote a while back.

This is another one where the trailer gives too much away. Please just trust me on this one and watch the movie without the trailer. The trailer will ruin so many of the surprises for you. Sure, some of them are a little predictable, but isn’t part of the fun trying to figure it out yourself? Don’t spoil the movie by watching the trailer.

I recommend pairing this movie with something fun, like fondu or a make your own ice cream sundae bar, and a glass of fruity wine.

Have you seen this Benny and Joon? Did you enjoy it? What underrated movie(s) do you recommend?

Love & life lessons,

Kristian