The Lady in the Van

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 4, 2015

6.8	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 56 Ratings

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Brent_MarchantJan 23, 2016

Were it not for the performance of Maggie Smith and a resurgent second hour, this film would have been otherwise forgettable. The picture's excessively tedious opening 45 minutes, coupled with an overwritten, gimmicky narrative and anWere it not for the performance of Maggie Smith and a resurgent second hour, this film would have been otherwise forgettable. The picture's excessively tedious opening 45 minutes, coupled with an overwritten, gimmicky narrative and an unfocused script that overemphasizes certain elements while slighting others, make it painful to endure, trying the patience of even the most stalwart moviegoer. Wait for this one to come to cable.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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GreatMartinJan 23, 2016

“The Lady in the Van” stars Maggie Smith in a trifle English story that has one of the longest drawn out endings I can recall in a long time and the movie is only 103 minutes! She plays a curmudgeon recreating the role she performed on stage“The Lady in the Van” stars Maggie Smith in a trifle English story that has one of the longest drawn out endings I can recall in a long time and the movie is only 103 minutes! She plays a curmudgeon recreating the role she performed on stage written by Alan Bennett who also wrote this screenplay.

The story is of an old woman who lives in a van, parking the vehicle in the driveway of the author. Alex Jennings plays the author and his alter ego who fight over art versus life which presents a distraction throughout the film.

The film opens with a loud crash on a black screen and then seeing the window of the van cracked and bloody. Little by little we find out who this homeless, aimless lady was and what brought her to this point in her life. We, also, find out about the crash which really adds nothing to the story but does add to the running time as does a piano concert scene.

The supporting players are all excellent English actors who add a touch of class including Jim Broadbent, Frances De La Tour, Deborah Findlay, James Corden and Roger Allam.

“The Lady in the Van” certainly must have been better in the theatre and this film is only for truly devoted Maggie Smith fans.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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smiyamotApr 22, 2016

Some English movies are off beat but this one was "out there." Why would you let a total stranger, who does not have a nice personality, park their beat up van in your driveway and live there? Guess the English have a different moralSome English movies are off beat but this one was "out there." Why would you let a total stranger, who does not have a nice personality, park their beat up van in your driveway and live there? Guess the English have a different moral compass concerning the homeless than we do.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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steveymeAug 14, 2019

The acting is great, but there is something slightly irritating about its overly sentimental depictment of London and inhabitants. Worth a watch though.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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