Herbie: Fully Loaded (Cert U, 96 mins, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Family/Comedy/Action, also available to buy DVD £19.99)Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, Matt Dillon, Breckin Meyer, Justin Long, Cheryl Hines, Jimmi Simpson, Jill Ritchie.

BACK in 1969, a little white VW Beetle with a mind and emotions of its own laid claim to the hearts of cinema audiences around the world in such family favourites as The Love Bug, Herbie Rides Again, Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo and Herbie Goes Bananas.

The cheeky automobile has been languishing in a scrap-yard since the mid-80s but now he's back, with a new owner and some nifty special effects to give him a 21st century overhaul.

In his latest high-speed escapade, the cheeky Volkswagen Beetle and its perky new owner, Maggie Peyton (Lohan), become involved in the high speed world of NASCAR racing, where Herbie risks bumper and hub-cap to win the championship ahead of oily rival Trip Murphy (Dillon).

Maggie is helped along the way by her racing champion father, Ray Peyton Sr (Keaton), and clumsy brother, Ray Jr (Meyer). She also has to contend with her burgeoning attraction to her best friend Kevin (Long).

Cosmetic

Despite some cosmetic enhancements, the new Herbie exudes all of the same charm: squirting oil at Trip, winking flirtatiously at a female car, bounding up and down excitedly on his new shock absorbers.

Occasionally, the special effects department gets a little carried away, transforming Herbie into some outlandish, mechanical cartoon character, which is a shame, because the car's appeal lies in its rust, scrapes and imperfections.

Lohan is a perky and loveable heroine, and Keaton plays his protective father to a tee. Long is easy on the eye sparks pleasingly with Lohan while Dillon is a remarkably good sport.

Herbie: Fully Loaded is a revved-up nostalgia trip, which should have parents smiling (guiltily) almost as often as their children.

DVD Extras: Director commentary, "A Day At The Races" featurette, "Breaking The Rules: Stunts From Herbie: Fully Loaded" featurette, "Bringing Herbie To Life" featurette, alternative opening with optional director commentary, 7 deleted scenes with optional director commentary, Love Bug Day at Disneyland, gag reel, Lindsay Lohan "First" music video.

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