Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)

Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)

4/10

 

Starring

Lindsay Lohan

Justin Long

Matt Dillon

Michael Keaton

 

Directed by Angela Robinson

 

Like the first film (The Love Bug (1968)) and all the movies in the series, this movie seems to be made for young viewers—viewers who will find the antics funny, while the adults disconnect and scroll through TikTok as the movie rolls by, or, back in my day, plug their ears and listen to sports. I recall seeing this movie back then, and it has stayed in my brain as one I always felt was fun to rewatch. But now, seeing it again, I think such movies from childhood should just remain there.

The problem here is the lack of insight into the possibilities this movie could have explored. I understand the idea that Herbie cannot talk, but one thing The Love Bug (1968) got right was using exaggerated movements and expressions to convey emotions, like Herbie frowning or rolling his eyes. This installment lacks that subtle charm.

The movie is also plagued with too many unnecessary characters, most of whom serve little purpose in the story. The antagonist is one-dimensional, and his irrational hatred of Herbie feels too myopic to be engaging. It’s hard to understand how someone could let themselves become so consumed by a car that they throw everything else away. Additionally, Herbie seems almost clairvoyant—he not only knows where to go but also magically understands exactly who Maggie needs to connect with after meeting her just once.

Anyway, the story centers on Maggie (Lindsay Lohan), the youngest member of the Peyton racing team. Maggie has a history of street racing accidents, so her father, Ray (Michael Keaton), has forbidden her to race again. After her graduation, Ray takes Maggie to get a car as a graduation present, and, by sheer luck, the car she ends up with is Herbie, the sentient anthropomorphic 1963 Volkswagen Beetle.

Maggie cleans Herbie up, and during a test drive, Herbie takes control and drives her to the mechanic shop of an old friend. While testing Herbie further to see what repairs are needed, Maggie struggles to control him as he drives them to a street racing event, where NASCAR champion Trip is competing. Herbie wins the race, and Trip becomes obsessed, doing everything he can to destroy Herbie. Meanwhile, Maggie tries to keep her street racing days a secret from her father while also learning to master control of Herbie.

This movie is one of those that you can tell Disney made for the cash. While it was a box-office success during Lindsay Lohan’s heyday, it was ultimately a critical failure.