Judy Thorburn's Movie Reviews

Herbie: Fully Loaded

Judy Thorburn

Herbie: Fully Loaded

Las Vegas Tribune - http://www.lasvegastribune.com
Las Vegas Round The Clock - http://www.lasvegasroundheclock.com
The Women Film Critics Circle - http://www.wfcc.wordpress.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">
kreatia@This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“HERBIE- FULLY LOADED” – A FUN RIDE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

If you weren’t born in the era of the 60’s to recall, believe it or not, TV audiences were watching a silly little comedy series called My Mother The Car, which was about an old car possessed by the dead spirit of the owner’s mother.  I don’t know if that show inspired Disney studios or not to come up with an idea for the movies called Herbie – the Love Bug, about a 63 Volkswagon bug with a mind of its own, but when it reached the screen in 1969, Herbie became an icon, forging the way to numerous follow-ups in both TV and films from the 70’s through the 90’s.  You would think after thirty years, this little bug would have run out of gas. Think again. He’s back with an updated makeover, and ready to take audiences of all ages on another cute and harmless spin that uses NASCAR as its backdrop.

Popular teen star Lindsay Lohan is in the driver’s seat as Herbie’s new owner, Maggie Peyton, a former street racer, and third generation member of a legendary NASCAR driver family. As a graduation gift from college, before heading to New York to start a career at ESPN, Maggie’s protective Dad Ray Peyton, Sr. (Michael Keaton,“White Noise”) takes her to Crazy Dave’s Junkyard to pick out an auto. But instead of finding something sporty, she catches the eye of old banged up Herbie, just before he’s about to be crushed into scrap metal.  Using some very human personality traits Herbie, is able to grab Maggie’s attention and before you know it, she’s taking him home and finds a note falling out of the glove box which reads, “Please take care of Herbie. Whatever your problem, he’ll help you find the answer.” Calling Herbie a “fortune cookie on wheels”, Maggie doesn’t realize this spirited little auto is about to re-awaken the passion for racing that is in her blood and will change the course of her life…and Herbie’s, too!

With the help of ace mechanic Kevin (Justin Long, “Dodgeball”), an old school friend that’s apparently smitten with Maggie, the auto is transformed into a hot little souped up street racer ready to take on any new adventure or challenge about to come its way.  Next thing you know high-powered #53 Herbie comes head to head with egocentric Nascar champ Trip Murphy (Matt Dillon, “Crash”) in an impromptu drag race that leaves a losing Trip wanting a re-match. So when Maggie’s brother Ray, Jr (Breckin Meyer, “Kate & Leopold”) backs out of the upcoming Nascar Championship race it opens the door for Maggie to fill in by going behind the wheel of her extraordinary little bug which once again finds herself and Herbie competing against reigning champ Trip.

I am not going to tell you that the story is not formulaic, because it is, and the outcome is no surprise.  We all know where it is heading, but I still was entertained by this charming and uplifting tale that is comical, whimsical and magical, all in one. This little bug has no problem communicating and evokes human expressions and emotions by using his doors, hood, blinking headlights, bumper and other parts to get an idea across.  His reactions such as spitting exhaust in the face of the bad guys, leaking oil on their clothes, jumping up and down, using his bumper to create a frown or smile and headlights to wink, are understood in any language and elicit plenty of hearty laughs.  Most of Herbie’s movements are done without CGI by utilizing puppeteers and mechanical special effects, and director Angela Robinson (D.E.B.S.) keeps everything in control at an even pace, staying as real as possible and not going over the top.

The entire cast headed by redheaded Lohan (before she turned bleach blonde and got way too skinny) is appealing.  Also NASCAR enthusiasts are in for a treat with Jeff Gordon making a very brief cameo appearance and seeing fast action racetrack sequence at the end.

With free wheeling Herbie back in gear, a new generation of moviegoers gets a chance to enjoy his antics that this time includes match matching and yes, even Herbie finding the car of his dreams in a sweet yellow bug.

Want the perfect summer movie for the entire family? “Herbie -Fully Loaded” is delightful, lots of fun, and definitely up to speed.

• < Prev
• Next >