๐ฌ Herbie: Fully Recharged (2025) โ Review
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Main Cast: Sabrina Carpenter (Maggie Peyton Jr.), Anthony Ramos (Diego Cruz), Lindsay Lohan (Maggie Peyton โ cameo), Chris Pine (Maxwell Kane), and the return of Herbie, the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.
โจ Introduction
Two decades after Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005), Disney revives the worldโs most beloved car with Herbie Fully Recharged (2025)โa vibrant, family-friendly adventure that blends nostalgia with modern racing thrills. With a new generation of drivers and updated technology, Herbie once again proves heโs more than just a car: heโs a legend.
๐ Storyline
The film centers on Maggie Peyton Jr. (Sabrina Carpenter), the daughter of Maggie Peyton (Lindsay Lohan), who once made racing history with Herbie. Unlike her mother, Maggie Jr. isnโt initially drawn to the racetrackโsheโs a talented engineer, focused on designing eco-friendly engines. However, when Herbie mysteriously reappears in her garage, battered but still full of personality, sheโs pulled into a new adventure.
A global racing league, led by the ruthless tycoon Maxwell Kane (Chris Pine), threatens to dominate the sport with AI-driven cars that leave no room for heart or humanity. With the help of Diego Cruz (Anthony Ramos), a charismatic street racer, Maggie Jr. restores Herbie and enters the competition. Along the way, Herbie shows that even in an era of machines and algorithms, a little heart (and humor) still goes a long way.
๐ญ Performances
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Sabrina Carpenter shines as Maggie Jr., blending spunky charm with emotional vulnerability. She balances comedy with heartfelt moments of self-discovery.
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Anthony Ramos delivers charisma and humor, making Diego a perfect partner both on and off the track.
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Chris Pine plays Maxwell Kane with slick villainy, embodying the cold, corporate world Herbie must overcome.
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Lindsay Lohanโs cameo as the original Maggie Peyton is short but touching, tying the sequel to its predecessor and delighting longtime fans.
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And of course, Herbie remains the true star, full of slapstick comedy, mischief, and heartwarming loyalty.
๐ฅ Visuals & Effects
The film combines practical car stunts with sleek CGI enhancements. Herbieโs expressive โfaceโ moments are handled with subtlety, avoiding cartoonish excess while still showcasing personality. The racing sequences are thrillingโranging from neon-lit city streets to desert off-road tracksโand filmed with a kinetic, fast-paced energy reminiscent of modern Fast & Furious installments but toned down for family audiences.
๐ถ Music & Soundtrack
The soundtrack is upbeat and playful, mixing pop hits with high-energy racing beats. Sabrina Carpenter contributes an original song, while throwbacks to the classic Herbie theme bring waves of nostalgia.
๐ญ Themes & Tone
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Technology vs. Heart: AI cars may be powerful, but they lack the soul that makes Herbie unbeatable.
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Family & Legacy: Maggie Jr. struggles with her motherโs shadow before forging her own path.
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Underdog Spirit: Once again, Herbie proves that being underestimated is his greatest strength.
The tone is light, comedic, and heartwarming, with slapstick humor for kids and nostalgic nods for adults.
โ Strengths
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Fun blend of nostalgia and modern updates.
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Strong lead performance by Sabrina Carpenter.
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Exciting racing sequences with family-friendly energy.
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Touching cameo from Lindsay Lohan.
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Herbieโs mischievous personality shines brighter than ever.
โ Weaknesses
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Predictable plot with familiar underdog beats.
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Some humor leans too silly for older audiences.
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The villain feels one-dimensional compared to the heroes.
๐ฌ Verdict
Herbie Fully Recharged (2025) successfully revives the magic of the beloved VW Beetle for a new generation while honoring its roots. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it delivers exactly what fans expect: laughs, thrills, and heartwarming charm. With a modern spin on racing and the timeless appeal of Herbie, the film proves that some legends never run out of gas.
๐ Final Rating: 7.6/10 โ A joyful, family-friendly ride filled with speed, laughs, and nostalgia.