The Love Bug – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Love Bug

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1997

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sentient VW Beetle races again in this forgettable 1997 TV movie that nobody asked for and even fewer remember.

78%

5.7

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The Love Bug

movie

1997

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sentient VW Beetle races again in this forgettable 1997 TV movie that nobody asked for and even fewer remember.

78%

5.7

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78%

5.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this is a TV movie cash-grab from 1997 trying to capitalize on nostalgia for a beloved 1968 Disney classic, and it fails on almost every level.

The original Love Bug had heart, charm, and Dean Jones. This has... a VW Beetle and 88 minutes of forgettable racing sequences that look like they were shot in someone's driveway. The TMDB rating of 5.7/10 is generous.

Is it safe? Absolutely. Will your 6-year-old watch it without nightmares? Sure. Will anyone remember it an hour after it ends? Absolutely not. There are so many better family movies from this era - even other talking vehicle movies - that spending time on this feels like choosing store-brand cereal when Pixar's Cars franchise exists.

If your kid is obsessed with sentient vehicles, show them the 1968 original or just go straight to Cars. This 1997 version is the definition of 'technically fine but why bother.'

Age Fit

Best for kids 5-8 who are just getting into the idea of talking vehicles and haven't been spoiled by Pixar's Cars yet. Older kids will find it painfully dated and boring. Adults will wonder why this exists when the 1968 original is right there.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic underdog sports story with positive themes of perseverance and giving things a second chance. The mechanic-car relationship models care and dedication. However, this is a TV movie remake that lacks the charm of the 1968 original, with formulaic plotting and thin character development that limits emotional depth.

Imaginative

The premise of a sentient VW Beetle with personality is inherently whimsical, but this 1997 TV remake brings little fresh imagination to the established Herbie franchise. The 'menacing black bug' villain is predictable, and the racing sequences don't innovate beyond the original films. It's more derivative than creative.

Safe

Family-friendly racing comedy with no concerning content. No violence beyond cartoonish car crashes, no inappropriate language, and no mature themes. The rivalry and racing tension are mild and age-appropriate. Standard Disney fare for safety, though the lack of content rating data prevents full confidence.

Enriching

Limited enrichment value beyond basic 'don't give up' messaging. The TV movie format and rushed 88-minute runtime leave little room for character growth or meaningful lessons. TMDB's 5.7/10 rating suggests even audiences found it forgettable. More filler than substance, with entertainment value compromised by dated 90s TV production quality.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Completely safe content - no worries about unexpected scares or inappropriate material
Classic underdog story about second chances might resonate with younger kids (5-7)
Short 88-minute runtime means it won't overstay its welcome
The talking car concept still has novelty for kids unfamiliar with the franchise

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What to Watch For

Dated 90s TV movie production quality that screams 'cheap' - think flat lighting and obvious green screens
Thin plot and character development mean kids might lose interest halfway through
This is a remake of a 1968 classic that your parents loved - this version has none of that charm
The 5.7/10 rating tells you everything: even fans of the original weren't impressed

Conversation Starters

"If your car could talk, what do you think it would say about how you treat it?"
"Herbie gets a second chance after everyone thinks he's done - have you ever felt like people gave up on you too soon?"
"Why do you think the movie made the villain's car black? What does that tell us about lazy storytelling?"

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