Movie Review by Neils Hesse
Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, Matt Dillon, Breckin Meyer, Justin Long
Director: Angela Robinson
Herbie the Love Bug makes a triumphant return to the big screen in this family pleasing summer frolic complete with a brand new Disney star, the so far so good Lindsay Lohan and a great supporting cast. This film hits all the right switches for old fans and should pull in a whole new host of followers.
Let’s race through the story. Herbie has seen better days and is nearly turned into scrap but is saved by Ray Peyton Snr (Michael Keaton) who convinces his ex-race car driving daughter Maggie (Lindsay Lohan) that it would be an ideal car for her to run around town with before she goes off to work for ESPN in New York. Herbie as always has other plans for himself and his new owner. After embarrassing the current Nascar champion Trip Murphy – perfectly and hilariously played by Matt Dillon – by beating him in a street race, Maggie under the alias Max takes on a challenge to race Trip Murphy one more time. Many heartaches and oil bleeds later Maggie and Herbie finally get their act together culminating in the most superior fun car race you’ll probably see this summer!
Director Angela Robinson uses very little CGI, focusing as much attention as possible on Herbie, the real star of the movie. This fresh adventure for Herbie complete with bona fide stars helps make this a good, old fashioned Disney adventure resulting in a job well done by Angela Robinson.
Matt Dillon stands out as he proves his comedic talents again. Look out for the scene where he is being led away by paramedics whilst screaming out that the car is mocking him!
In a nutshell, HERBIE: FULLY LOADED delivers exactly what it sets out to achieve – great nostalgic and straightforward fun, an excellent soundtrack and even if you have no idea what Herbie is all about you will by the end of it all. Good vibrations all around!
