Review of The Love Bug (1968) by Rebecca H — 28 Feb 2009

A boring, stupid, self-absorbed and unlikeable rubbish race car driver has a cute Volkswagen Beetle forced into his life and suddenly discovers amazing racing skills. What he doesn't realise, is that his car is alive.

For a film about a Beetle who happens to be alive (and extremely emotional / volatile) this is enjoyable enough. But the human lead, Jim (Dean Jones), isn't likeable at all, and when it comes down to it, the villain, Thorndyke (David Tomlinson), is a better racer than Jim, so he deserves to win.

Meanwhile, Herbie's efforts to force Jim and Thorndyke's girl Carole (Michele Lee) together is very creepy as she is kidnapped and locked up and screaming for help but no one will help her. And you can't escape that cute little Herbie is a bit of a psycho. Do NOT get on the wrong side of this car.

But other than the Jim's a rubbish lead and Herbie is a psycho thing, it's a fun idea and an enjoyable enough children's film.