HERBIE GOES BANANAS

US, 1980, 100 minutes, Colour.
Cloris Leachman, Charles Martin Smith, Harvey Korman, John Vernon, Alex Rocco.
Directed by Vincent McEveety?.

Tthe fourth in a successful Disney series using the Volkswagen with magic powers. The original hit was The Love Bug. The formula was repeated with Herbie Itides Again - with the usual Disney formula of the exploiter and the needing to preserve homes in the city. The third film in the series was Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo - with obvious successful results.

This film follows the same formula and has nothing particularly new to offer, except Herbie and his passengers in a Latin American bull-ring. Cloris Leachman does her usual turn as the aunt with a marriageable niece. She also has her eye on Harvey Korman's fanatic eccentric Captain Bligh. Charles Martin Smith. provides corny humour and there is the usual attractive teenage couple.

However, the film focuses very much on a Mexican boy and this ensures the younger audience enjoying the film. He is able to drive Herbie and the relationship between the two is very satisfying for the young audience. John Vernon heads a cast of gangsters who get their come-uppance especially from Herbie.

The Latin American locations are very attractive, there is the usual romance, humorous episodes, songs. There are some special effects with Herbie raving driverless around Latin American towns, going through the Panama Canal lock and finally in the bull-ring and chasing a plane. Undemanding, entertainment for younger audiences.