​FILMS

the lady in the van

2016 review number 40:

The Lady in the Van: (Drama/Comedy): 63 out of 100: I remember seeing this trailer more than a year ago and I have been eagerly anticipating the movie's release since then. 'High expectations'. Don't you just hate those two words especially when the movie doesn't live up to your expectations? Here is a prime example of that mantra. Based on a true story, this dramedy has been receiving excellent reviews but I found it to be quite stilted to rave about it. 

 

Miss Mary Shepherd (Maggie Smith) is an eccentric homeless woman who parks her van in a London street, annoying the people who live there. Witnessing the altercations that occur regularly, Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) allows her to park her van in his driveway so there won't be further disputes and gradually befriends her. He soon realises that there could be more to Mary than initially suspected, with suspicions raised through police officer Underwood (Jim Broadbent).

 

There were two devices employed by the screenwriter, Alan Bennett, that frustrated my viewing experience. The first one was the seemingly incessant narration. There were even some scenes where Bennett was describing what was happening on the screen. The other nuisance was seeing Bennett the writer self, chatting to Bennett the living self. Jennings adopts a placid tone for most of the film so the conversations the two Bennetts have become quite boring after a while.

 

Maggie Smith is a quality actress and doesn't falter in her portrayal of the mystery woman. She plays grumpy really well and convincingly makes the audience feel for her even when she isn't nice to the people around her. There are several amusing exchanges with Bennett which will have you smiling rather than laughing out loud. Broadbent appears only in a minor role and does what is expected of him without standing out.  

 

The interesting aspect of this production is that it was actually shot in the same street where the real lady in the van lived for 15 years, according to the IMDB website. The street scenes bring a natural, authentic charm to this movie. The images are also complemented by a beautiful score by George Fenton. His music could have so easily been nominated for an Oscar for it offers a rich and lush atmosphere.

 

The Lady in the Van had a wonderful trailer that really wasn't supported by the movie, itself. I'm sure there will be many people out there who will enjoy this more than me but the expectations I was carrying heading into the cinema meant that I left disappointed. It's not a bad film, it's just that it could have been an exceptional film. 

 

Starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings and Jim Broadbent

(104 mins)

Parental advice: Coarse language

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits we see a young Miss Shepherd playing the piano in a concert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA8tMziteZM (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Friday 4th March, 2016)

For my latest reviews, go to this link: http://mlaimlai2.wix.com/magical-movie-review