HERBIE FULLY LOADED A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2005 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ** 1/2
HERBIE FULLY LOADED, a classic kids' movie, redefines the word "silly." Clearly targeting the single-digit-age demographic, the movie doesn't try to turn off those who have long since been in a double-digit bracket, but it doesn't pander to them either. If there were any jokes in it aimed solely to amuse the parents in the audience, I didn't notice them. On the other hand, if you're able to pretend that you're just eight again, you may be surprised to find that you actually kind of enjoy the film's intentionally stupid and very predictable brand of humor. Lean over Herbie, a 1963 "bug," and he'll squirt you with oil if he disapproves of you or your attitude. And, if he really doesn't like you, he'll bang you on the head with his hood. Hello, slapstick.
HERBIE FULLY LOADED starts with a montage of Herbie's troubles and triumphs -- he once won both first and third place in a race by splitting himself in two. Currently awaiting destruction by compaction at a junk yard, he is rescued by Maggie Peyton (Lindsay Lohan), an ex-street racer, who picks him as her college graduation gift from her dad (Michael Keaton). Although Herbie blinks his eyes, toots his horn, and does all kinds of cute tricks, he has difficulty getting Maggie's attention until he squeezes out the competition -- a small Japanese car -- by falling on it.
The rest of the story concerns a rivalry between Maggie and Trip Murphy (Matt Dillon), a cocksure racer who lives his life by going from one promotional venue to another. Think slimeball Trip might get squirted and hit a few times by Herbie? Of course. You, however, will leave the theater none the worse for wear -- so long as you never make the mistake of taking HERBIE FULLY LOADED seriously for a second. But there's no need to spoil your childish fun by thinking too hard.
HERBIE FULLY LOADED runs a little long at 1:41. It is rated G and would be acceptable for anyone under 10 or those who can make like they are.
The film is playing in nationwide release now in the United States. In the Silicon Valley, it is showing at the AMC and the Century theaters.
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