I admit these Disney movies of Herbie - back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, has always had an impact on me. I saw most of the films in the theatre as a kid and each time, was grandly entertained and really enjoyed it. I still feel the repercussions of that to this day, I mean, I can't help, but think of "Herbie" whenever I see one of those Beetles driving around on the city streets, especially the white ones.
Anyway, enough about nostalgia and let's dig into the critical review of this film. There's all the potential of a zany slapstick comedy here with the casting of Don Knotts as the mechanic, Dean Jones reprising his role from the first film and a group of inept criminals who somehow manage to get Herbie involved in their theft of a valuable diamond.
Since the beginning was set in Paris, the "city of love", it's inevitable the characters would feel the romantic spirit striking them big time. Herbie falls head-over-wheels in love with a rival sports car named "Giselle" who flashes her headlights a lot.
She's plainly of the female variety considering her driver is a woman too who ultimately develops the status of a love interest for Herbie's driver, Jim Douglas. The sparks ignite right there between the cars, but as for Jim and Diane, it's not so easy. She clearly thinks Jim's crazy for thinking cars have a mind of their own.
The race from Paris to Monte Carlo eventually starts with some delays and mayhem thrown in for good measure. It's a madcap journey all the way with Eric Braeden absolutely perfect as the highly arrogant driver who feels he and his superior sports car are a cinch to win the race against a little insignificant Beetle. He'd later grow to think otherwise, considering his cheating tactics kept failing in the end.
The rebellious and dedicated nature of Herbie towards those he cares about and those he sees as a threat, continues on in this entry to the series. As you watch, you can't help, but feel Herbie is alive and capable of anything. He does that just well and even more.
The way his headlights moved around like eyeballs was a bonus, especially when the bungling crooks hid their stolen diamond in Herbie's gas tank with the devious plot to get it later. They later try, but would get unexpected obstacles and hassles thrown in to prevent them from doing so. That was hilarious.
All in all, the spirit of "Herbie" lives on in this installment to the series. It captures all the elements of the original "Love Bug", but with the sore absence of Buddy Hackett who clearly understood Herbie better than anyone else. It also never explained the absence of Michele Lee, his first wife from the first film. Jim is portrayed here as another available single with no mention whatsoever of his first marital commitment. I guess she vanished in true Hollywood style to open the doors for another potential romance for another movie. I guess that sums it up.
All in all, a great film for kids. I really did enjoy this when watching it at the theatre when I was young. I've always loved Herbie.
Anyway, enough about nostalgia and let's dig into the critical review of this film. There's all the potential of a zany slapstick comedy here with the casting of Don Knotts as the mechanic, Dean Jones reprising his role from the first film and a group of inept criminals who somehow manage to get Herbie involved in their theft of a valuable diamond.
Since the beginning was set in Paris, the "city of love", it's inevitable the characters would feel the romantic spirit striking them big time. Herbie falls head-over-wheels in love with a rival sports car named "Giselle" who flashes her headlights a lot.
She's plainly of the female variety considering her driver is a woman too who ultimately develops the status of a love interest for Herbie's driver, Jim Douglas. The sparks ignite right there between the cars, but as for Jim and Diane, it's not so easy. She clearly thinks Jim's crazy for thinking cars have a mind of their own.
The race from Paris to Monte Carlo eventually starts with some delays and mayhem thrown in for good measure. It's a madcap journey all the way with Eric Braeden absolutely perfect as the highly arrogant driver who feels he and his superior sports car are a cinch to win the race against a little insignificant Beetle. He'd later grow to think otherwise, considering his cheating tactics kept failing in the end.
The rebellious and dedicated nature of Herbie towards those he cares about and those he sees as a threat, continues on in this entry to the series. As you watch, you can't help, but feel Herbie is alive and capable of anything. He does that just well and even more.
The way his headlights moved around like eyeballs was a bonus, especially when the bungling crooks hid their stolen diamond in Herbie's gas tank with the devious plot to get it later. They later try, but would get unexpected obstacles and hassles thrown in to prevent them from doing so. That was hilarious.
All in all, the spirit of "Herbie" lives on in this installment to the series. It captures all the elements of the original "Love Bug", but with the sore absence of Buddy Hackett who clearly understood Herbie better than anyone else. It also never explained the absence of Michele Lee, his first wife from the first film. Jim is portrayed here as another available single with no mention whatsoever of his first marital commitment. I guess she vanished in true Hollywood style to open the doors for another potential romance for another movie. I guess that sums it up.
All in all, a great film for kids. I really did enjoy this when watching it at the theatre when I was young. I've always loved Herbie.