|
Maggie Peyton (Lindsay Lohan), an adventurous easygoing girl from a family of car racing
aficionados, receives as a graduation gift Herbie, a magically mischievous VW she rescues from a junk yard. Herbie reunites Maggie with childhood friend Kevin (Justine Long), who
helps her bring the car into tiptop shape.
Together, car and driver, rediscover their true love and dream
to be car-racing champions. However, while Maggie's dad, Ray Sr. (Michael Keaton), dully supports Maggie's brother Ray Jr.'s (Breken Meyer) ambition, he violently objects to his daughter engaging in any race of whatsoever kind. Meanwhile, after being beaten in an impromptu competition by the novice duo, Trip Murphy (Matt Dillon), current NASCAR champion, schemes to get even. Trip barely succeeds as Maggie makes an impulsive decision that almost causes the destruction of Herbie but she realizes friendship and following her heart are the more important things in life. She in once again presented with a chance to follow her dream when Ray Jr. has an untimely accident in a NASCAR qualify race. Now, Herbie and Maggie square it off with the tough professional racers and seal an unusual friendship towards victory.
The movie is at most cute and entertaining. The plot and script are shallow but giving life
and heart to an inanimate object endears the viewers as it explores friendship and trust.
The acting is nothing to be remembered as only Herbie gives a noteworthy performance. The editing and scoring are upbeat enough to keep with the action and steal some laughs every now and then. It is fascinating how multi screen is used to give it a comic book semblance.
Three points are highlighted in the movie. First, the value of friendship that outweighs temporal
rewards such as "driving a real car vs an old VW" (when Trip made a deal with Maggie) or winning a race at the expense of losing a "friend" for good (when Herbie was badly damaged
during the NASCAR competition). In both cases, Maggie chooses to save her friendship and her car above everything else.
Second, the value of victory lies in the way the game is played. Cheaters and schemers (like Trip Murphy) are never rewarded. Honor, honesty and hard work are still major components of success rather than quick fixes and deceit. Thirdly, the value of family support compensates for inhibition, fear and insecurities and, at times, even lack of experience. When your loved ones are behind you when you face the challenges and endeavors of life, chances are you come out successful or at least more fulfilled one way or the other.
(Date Reviewed: 15 July 2005)
|
