(U, 101mins) Starring Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, Matt Dillon. Directed by Angela Robinson

Thirty years ago, cinemagoers were happy to pay money to see Herbie "go bananas" or "ride again" but those simple adventures are no longer enough to tempt today's hi-tech, gadget-savvy 1kids into their local multiplex.

So with an eye firmly on reviving the money-making franchise, Disney handed director Angela Robinson the task of giving the little Volkswagen Beetle a makeover.

"My job." she says, "was to translate the Herbie heritage so the MTV generation of kids could have a great time. But it was very important to me he was the old character. Originally, they were talking about using an entirely computer-generated Herbie but he is such a beloved character I didn't see why you would change him."

In an era where updating is Hollywood's code for keeping the title and throwing away everything else that made the original so successful, it's to Robinson's credit she has succeeded in preserving Herbie's charm and simplicity, while also making a Disney movie which is hip and fresh.

"Retro-hipster" is the way she describes the finished product.

When the film opens, Herbie's languishing in a scrapyard. He is literally snatched from the jaws of the crusher by Maggie Peyton (Lohan), who becomes Number 53's reluctant new owner.

She's the teenage daughter of NASCAR racing driver Ray Peyton Sr (Keaton). Maggie has inherited all the driving talent but her dad won't let her get behind the wheel of a racing car.

Until, that is, Herbie takes control of the situation and forces her into a race with bigheaded NASCAR champ Trip Murphy (Dillon).

From there on in, it's all pretty predictable but that's not to say it's not enjoyable.

It helps that Robinson has assembled a top-notch cast, headed by Lohan. She believes Lindsay is "one of the most talented young actresses to come around in forever" and doesn't see this as a career step backwards for the 18 year old after the enormous success of last year's hugely entertaining Mean Girls.

Keaton adds class to the proceedings, while Dillon is clearly having a ball as the Dick Dastardly-like villain.

Then there is Herbie himself. Robinson admits it was surreal directing a car "but he very quickly became another member of the cast".

The film may have a U certificate but there is something for everyone, providing you are not expecting anything sophisticated or original.

"Silly fun" is how Robinson describes it and, in a world seemingly gone mad, 101 minutes of innocent fun somehow sounds very appealing.