We all remember Herbie from the classic Disney movies about the lovable Volkswagon with a mind of his own. Now Herbie returns in this film starring Lindsay Lohan as Maggie, a college graduate ready to head out into the world. Her father (Michael Keaton) has been racing cars for years, and while Maggie was in high school, she liked to road race. But one wrong turn landed her in the hospital for two weeks, and since that time, she hasn’t been allowed to race.
Upon her graduation, Maggie’s father gives her a gift –her choice of whatever car she wants from the local junk yard. Herbie, who has ended up there through no fault of his own, gets her attention and literally puts himself right in her path. As she fixes Herbie up and prepares to drive him, Maggie realizes that this is no ordinary car.
Together they go to a car show, where Herbie is insulted by Trip Murphy, (Matt Dillon) a professional driver. Herbie responds by scratching the paint on Trip’s car, which results in the crowd chanting for a road race to settle the dispute. Fueled by pride, Herbie leaves Trip in the dust, with Maggie screaming in the driver seat as the car drives itself to victory. When news hits the airwaves that a Volkswagon has beaten the professional car, Maggie’s father demands answers, only to be told that Maggie wasn’t in the car.
This lie spawns others, and soon Maggie finds herself in a heap of trouble. But after thinking things through (and apologizing to her car) she and Herbie find themselves an unbeatable team once again, along with Jason, Herbie’s mechanic and also Maggie’s friend.
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. Maggie does swear from time to time, but that is the only objectionable element in the film. It’s exciting, it’s funny, and there’s even a little bit of romance in there, both human and automotive.
This film was rated G.
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