Herbie - Fully Loaded (2005)

Made in 2005, Herbie Fully Loaded is a live-action remake of The Love Bug, a charming old banger. This newer version had different elements but a similar plot with a “modern” interpretation.

The plot followed the story of a female graduate from a racing family who’s ready to start her new life with a new job in a new place. But her graduation gift, Herbie, turns out to be a disgraced champion with a mind of his own! This playful automobile challenges a conceited racer and changes everyone’s minds about him! Well, nearly everyone. Opposition from her dad, support from her boyfriend and racing in her blood. What’s a girl to do?

Herbie Fully Loaded lacks the stereotyping that The Love Bug had. For example, we saw gender stereotyping, woman only being included in the film to add glamour and romance, while in contrast the remake had a female lead.

Also, there was some cultural stereotyping in the first movie, which untruthfully displayed Chinese people as slow. This was lacking in the second movie, although it had an all-white cast which was disappointing, seeing as it was all for equality. The film making industry is so prominent and influential that it should do a better job at this.

Overall, I enjoyed this remake. If the stereotyping, lack of cgi or older graphics have put you off watching The Love Bug, try Herbie Fully Loaded instead!