When Herbie: Fully Loaded hit theaters in 2005, it gave Disney’s iconic sentient Volkswagen Beetle a 21st-century spin. Now, two decades later, the little Bug is back — shinier, spunkier, and ready to rev up nostalgia for longtime fans while charming a whole new generation. Herbie: Fully Loaded 2 (2025) reunites Lindsay Lohan with the mischievous No. 53, delivering a sequel that blends racing thrills, slapstick comedy, and heartfelt Disney magic.
The story picks up with Maggie Peyton (Lohan), older and wiser but still burning with a racer’s spirit. This time, she sets her sights on NASCAR, pushing herself — and Herbie — into the highest-stakes racing of their lives. With her father, Ray (Michael Keaton), cheering from the sidelines, Maggie learns that the challenges on the track pale compared to the rivalries and personal doubts she must face. The stakes are personal as much as professional, making the film as much about resilience as it is about speed.
Herbie, of course, remains the true star. With headlights that emote and doors that slam shut in protest, the little car once again proves it has more personality than most human co-stars. Whether pulling off improbable stunts, sabotaging arrogant rivals, or simply nudging Maggie toward the right choices, Herbie radiates mischief and heart. The filmmakers wisely lean into practical effects for many of his gags, capturing that tactile charm fans loved from the earlier films.
Lindsay Lohan slips back into Maggie’s role with surprising ease. She brings a blend of determination and warmth, making Maggie feel like a natural evolution of the girl we met twenty years ago. Her chemistry with Herbie feels genuine, reminding audiences that this franchise is at its best when it treats the car as more than just a gimmick — but as a true character.
Michael Keaton adds gravitas and fatherly charm, grounding the story’s more whimsical elements with emotional weight. Cheryl Hines, as a savvy racing promoter caught between business and loyalty, injects sharp humor and energy into her scenes. The supporting cast of rival drivers, while archetypal, provide plenty of obstacles for Herbie to outwit — often to hilarious effect.
The racing sequences are where Herbie: Fully Loaded 2 shines brightest. Director Angela Robinson returns to helm the sequel, bringing a mix of practical stunts and sleek modern cinematography. NASCAR’s roaring engines and blistering speed provide a thrilling backdrop, while Herbie’s antics — from sneaking onto the track disguised as a pit vehicle to pulling off acrobatics no car should survive — keep the tone playful without losing the adrenaline.
Tonally, the film captures that sweet spot of family entertainment. It’s funny without being juvenile, heartfelt without tipping into melodrama. Herbie’s gags — from spraying oil at a pompous driver to locking Maggie’s seatbelt during a nervous moment — land with classic Disney humor. Meanwhile, the underlying message about family, perseverance, and finding your place in a competitive world resonates beyond the racetrack.
The film also embraces nostalgia, sprinkling in winks to Herbie’s long cinematic history. From a brief cameo of archival footage to a subtle nod to Dean Jones’ original character, longtime fans will find plenty to smile at. Yet the story is crafted cleanly enough that newcomers can dive in without prior knowledge.
Visually, the film bursts with energy. The bright, candy-colored sheen of Herbie contrasts beautifully with the sleek, intimidating lines of modern NASCAR vehicles. This underdog aesthetic reinforces the film’s themes: that charm, wit, and heart can still outshine sheer horsepower.
By the finale — a nail-biting race where Maggie and Herbie pull off a last-second stunt to clinch victory — the film achieves that classic Disney formula: thrills, laughs, and just enough heart to leave audiences cheering. It’s not groundbreaking cinema, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s pure family fun with a glossy, modern finish.
Ultimately, Herbie: Fully Loaded 2 (2025) succeeds because it knows what it is: a joyful, energetic sequel that puts character and heart above spectacle. It delivers nostalgia for longtime fans while making space for new audiences to fall in love with the little Bug who refuses to quit. ⭐4.6/5 — joyful, thrilling, and unmistakably Disney.
