Herbie Goes Bananas (1980) Review in 2025
A fun and adventurous road trip with Herbie, the lovable Volkswagen Beetle, as they travel to Brazil to compete in a racing competition.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for all ages, but it's especially enjoyable for families with kids who love adventure and comedy.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of Herbie and classic family comedies. However, it's not particularly memorable or impactful, so it's not a must-see.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie starts with Herbie being sold to a new owner, Pete, who discovers that the car has a mind of its own and can communicate with him. They team up to participate in a racing competition in Brazil, but they soon find themselves in a series of misadventures and challenges that test their friendship and determination.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is fun and engaging, with a good balance of action, comedy, and heart. However, it's not particularly original or memorable.
acting6.00/10
The acting is solid, with Dean Jones and Don Knotts delivering enjoyable performances. However, the supporting cast is forgettable and underutilized.
characters6.00/10
The characters are likable and well-developed, but they lack depth and complexity. Herbie is the standout character, with his lovable and mischievous personality.
direction6.00/10
The direction is competent, but it doesn't bring anything new or exciting to the table. The pacing is well-balanced, but the editing could be tighter.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is vibrant and colorful, capturing the beauty of Brazil and the excitement of the racing competition. However, the camera work is sometimes shaky and unsteady.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Herbie is a lovable and memorable character, the cinematography is vibrant and colorful, and the story is fun and engaging.
Cons
The characters lack depth and complexity, the direction is competent but unremarkable, and the supporting cast is forgettable and underutilized.
Notable Quotes
"Herbie, you're a real winner!"
"I'm not just a car, I'm a friend!"
