That wily 1963 VW Bug, with a mind of its own, is back on the big screen after a 20-year hiatus. Herbie has seen better glory days and is now relegated to Crazy Dave’s auto salvage crusher. Maggie Peyton (Lindsay Lohan) just graduated from college and has an interview with ESPN in New York in two weeks. In the meantime her Dad, NASCAR crew chief, Ray Peyton, Sr. (Michael Keaton), offers her the pick of Crazy Dave’s litter…uh, auto graveyard. After all, it’s only got to run for two weeks.

Moments from demolition, Herbie spies Maggie, who has her eye on a nifty Nissan. But Herbie literally crushes the competition and drives off with Maggie behind his wheel, wrestling for control. Herbie’s headlights serve as his window to the world, his front bumper can curve into a smile or a frown, and his doors, hood and trunk fly open at will. Herbie puffs up his chest (in this case his tires inflate) and shows off his proud number 53 insignia and racing stripes. You see Herbie was a trophy-winning racecar way back when.

Maggie was a tough street-rod driver back in high school and she’d like to get on the NASCAR circuit but her dad won’t hear of it, even though her brother has a terrible losing streak as the Team Peyton driver.

Her buddy Kevin (Justin Long) does a tune-up on Herbie and the little engine that could takes on champion driver¾ and cocky jerk¾ Trip Murphy (Matt Dillon) in a street race. Of course, Herbie wins, which infuriates and embarrasses Trip.

Maggie’s dream to be the first woman to win NASCAR fame is realized as she and Herbie pull through in the clutch. There’s lots of kid laughter in this movie that parents can enjoy as well. No double entendres here, it’s strictly G rated. This is a great film for girls with a competitive edge.