 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Love Bug
- Review Date: March 3, 2005
- G
- Genre: Comedy
- 1968
Common Sense Media says
Kids will fall in love with this spunky Bug.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that well-paced laughs and just-scary-enough driving thrills enhance this sweet, wholesome story. Other than the fact that parents will want to point out that seatbelts weren't widely used in 1969, this film offers fun for the whole family. Young ones will identify with the spunky little VW and enjoy the racecar action. Older kids will enjoy the lively story and jokes about '60s hippie culture.
What's the story?
Meet Herbie, a VW Beetle with a mind of its own -- one that kids will be instantly taken with. In this, the first -- and best-- of the four movies starring the loveable car, Herbie is rescued from his mean owner Mr. Tomlinson (Peter Thorndyke) by nice-guy Jim (Dean Jones). Herbie and Jim become fast friends – and fast race car drivers as they win race after race. When Tomlinson decides he'll stop at nothing to get Herbie back, Jim, the woman he's sweet on (Michele Lee), their friend Tennessee (Buddy Hackett), and the loveable VW bug are in for one wild ride.
Is it any good?
While 1968's THE LOVE BUG shows its age, it still provides lots of harmless Disney entertainment. This movie seems to exist in a different Disney universe from that of the studio's earlier features: one populated by hippies, mock-mystic mechanics, and pants-wearing career women. The differences are merely superficial, however, a sign of the changing times; Disney wholesomeness is still very much intact. In fact, other than a noticeable lack of seatbelts, there's nothing here to alarm parents.
Peter Thorndyke makes a fine villain: oily, bullying, and deliciously underhanded. Buddy Hackett's Tennessee, on the other hand isn't nearly as much fun, and audiences will likely wince at the racial stereotyping presented by Mr. Wu. Children, of course, are meant to identify with Herbie, the Love Bug himself.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of being safe even when they are goofing around, as Herbie did. Families may also want to discuss the racial stereotyping depicted in Mr. Wu.
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AGE
O.K.
It's a kinda good movie. It was made quite a few years ago so be ready for some lame special effects. Its just misssing that Disney charm throughout most of the movie!
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AGE
I absolutely love this movie! definitely for the whole family, go and rent this movie for your next family night. Your family will laugh so hard, guaranteed! :) Ugli Chic
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Kid, 9 years old
January 12, 2011
AGE
love it
this is a great movie
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| Topics: | cars and trucks, friendship |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Robert Stevenson |
| Cast: | David Tomlinson, Dean Jones, Michele Lee |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 107 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 24, 1968 |
| DVD release date: | August 3, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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