It sits there on the mental video store shelf of memory, maybe nestled between a well-worn copy of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and a slightly faded action flick. The Love Bug (1997) – a title that likely sparked a double-take for many browsing the aisles back in the day. "Wait," you might have thought, grabbing the clamshell case, "Herbie's back? And is that... Bruce Campbell on the cover looking nefarious?" Indeed it was. This wasn't quite the Herbie of the swinging '60s, but a late-90s TV movie revival aiming to introduce the pearl-white Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own to a new generation, while perhaps nudging the nostalgia bone of their parents.
### Revving Up the Nostalgia Engine
Made for ABC's Wonderful World of Disney programming block, this 1997 iteration serves as both a sequel and a soft reboot to the beloved Herbie franchise that kicked off way back in 1968. The premise cleverly acknowledges the past: Herbie, the plucky #53 Beetle, has fallen on hard times, passed from owner to owner, his glory days seemingly behind him. Enter struggling mechanic and former racer Hank Cooper (John Hannah, bringing his affable charm familiar from films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Mummy), who acquires the forgotten Bug. Meanwhile, the villainous racer Simon Moore III (Bruce Campbell), nephew of the original film's antagonist Thorndyke, discovers Herbie's secret and wants that automotive magic for himself – leading him to create Herbie's evil counterpart, Horace the Hate Bug.
This revival came during a wave of 90s TV movie remakes, often serving as pilots for potential series. While a full Herbie series didn't materialize from this, the film itself holds a certain goofy charm, largely thanks to its game cast. Helming the project was a young Peyton Reed, years before he'd tackle superheroes in Ant-Man. Reed manages to inject a decent amount of energy into the proceedings, clearly understanding the required lighthearted tone, even on what was presumably a modest TV budget.
### Campbell vs. The Bug
Let's be honest, the main draw for many retro film fans revisiting this today is Bruce Campbell. Known for his iconic Ash Williams in the Evil Dead series, seeing him dive into a Disney villain role is inherently amusing. Campbell leans into the smarmy, entitled nature of Simon Moore III with relish. He's not particularly menacing, more like a petulant child with a massive ego and a penchant for sinister-looking black vehicles. His creation, Horace the Hate Bug – a menacing, jet-black VW monstrosity – provides a fun visual contrast to the cheerful Herbie. The rivalry between the two sentient cars provides the film's main conflict and some genuinely entertaining race sequences, even if the effects feel distinctly '90s television.
John Hannah as Hank Cooper provides the necessary heart. He's the down-on-his-luck good guy who forms a bond with Herbie, rediscovering his own passion for racing in the process. Alexandra Wentworth plays his love interest, Alex, an intrepid reporter who gets drawn into the automotive shenanigans. Their dynamic is sweet, if predictable, hitting the familiar beats of a family-friendly adventure.
### Retro Fun Facts & Herbie's Tune-Up
- Continuity Nod: The film cleverly opens with footage from the original The Love Bug (1968), establishing its place within the Herbie universe and immediately tapping into that nostalgic vein. It even brings back Dean Jones, the star of the original film, for a cameo appearance as an older Jim Douglas, passing the torch (or ignition key) to the new generation.
- TV Movie Roots: Being a TV movie meant certain constraints. While the racing scenes are lively, they don't quite have the scale of the original theatrical releases. Still, for its format, the production values are decent, capturing that bright, slightly soft look common to late-90s television.
- The Other Bug: The concept of an evil Herbie wasn't entirely new (Herbie had faced rivals before), but Horace the Hate Bug, with his jagged design elements and destructive personality, felt like a distinctly 90s take on the idea – a bit more aggressive, a bit edgier for the time.
- Director's Stepping Stone: This film was one of Peyton Reed's earlier directorial efforts after working on some TV shows and the Back to the Future animated series. It showcases his ability to handle light comedy and action beats, foreshadowing his later success with bigger budget fare like Bring It On (2000) and eventually joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Writing Credit: The script, penned by Ryan Rowe, aimed to recapture the spirit of the originals while updating the setting and characters. It sticks closely to the established formula – Herbie helps a down-and-out racer find success and love – but the inclusion of Campbell's villain and the evil car adds a fresh wrinkle.
### Does it Cross the Finish Line?
The Love Bug '97 isn't cinematic high art, nor does it possess the groundbreaking charm of the 1968 original. It’s unmistakably a product of its time – a sweet, unassuming TV movie designed for family viewing. The plot is simple, the humor gentle, and the stakes relatively low. Yet, there's an undeniable warmth to it. Seeing Herbie back in action, performing his signature wheelies and generally being adorable, still works. Campbell is clearly having fun, Hannah is effortlessly likable, and the core concept of a car with a soul remains endearing.
For those of us who remember flipping channels on a Sunday night or picking this up from the "Family" section at Blockbuster, it offers a pleasant trip down memory lane. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel (pun intended), but it delivers a perfectly serviceable, good-natured Herbie adventure. It's the kind of movie that feels cozy, like pulling on a comfortable old sweater. It might not be the Herbie you grew up with, but it carries enough of the original's spirit to earn a fond smile.
VHS Heaven Rating: 6/10
Justification: The film earns points for its charming cast (Bruce Campbell's delightful villainy, John Hannah's warmth), its successful capturing of the Herbie spirit for a TV movie format, and its effective use of nostalgia (including the Dean Jones cameo). It loses points for its predictable plot, somewhat dated TV-level effects, and lack of genuine surprise. It’s enjoyable and well-meaning, but ultimately feels like a pleasant echo rather than a truly essential entry.
Final Thought: While it might not be the first Herbie film you reach for, this '97 model offers a surprisingly enjoyable tune-up, especially if you’ve got a soft spot for Campbell chewing the scenery or just miss the simple charm of #53 cruising across your CRT screen. A harmless, happy little detour on the cinematic highway.