Review: I really enjoyed this movie, mainly because of Maggie Smith's terrific performance and the unique storyline. Everyone most probably thinks that it's basically about a Lady In A Van but there is an in depth story to Miss Shepherd, which is really emotional and, in a lot of ways, quite sad. The fact that Miss Shepherd lived in a van, because of an car accident that wasn't her fault, and she was being blackmailed by a police officer, Underwood (Jim Broadbent), who knew the truth, made this movie even more emotional, even though she is a grumpy old lady who didn't really care about most people's feelings. The relationship between Miss Shepherd and Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) was really sweet and the witty script, made this movie a joy to watch. She really did treat the other residents near her van, in Camden, with disrespect, which is quite funny to watch, and they all wanted her to leave there highly respected community because she wasn't the most hygienic lady on the block, and her abusive communication skills were quite offensive but her background story really does prove that all is not what it seems. When she is forced off the road, into Alan Bennett's driveway, they soon become close and Miss Shepherd starts to open up to Alan, which gives him some groundwork to find out more about the extremely private lady. When her true story unfolds, her amazing journey shows why she is the way she is, and it's so sad that her brilliant piano skills went to waste. Anyway, the acting is great from the whole cast and the adapted storyline was well put together by the director. Its not exactly blockbuster material, in terms of a huge budget and big distribution but it's an inspirational true story which will make you laugh and cry till the end. Enjoyable!
Round-Up: It's good to see a small independent movie, make such a profit at the box office, because it really did deserve it. Maggie Smith deserved to win the BAFTA & Golden Globe for her role but she sadly lost out to Jennifer Lawrence for the Golden Globe and Brie Larson for the BAFTA. At 81 years old, and with an impressive career behind her, which started at 1956 in a TV series called the Adventures of Aggie, she's highly respected in her field and with 2 Oscars and 3 Golden Globes, I can truly say that she has had an excellent career to date. Anyway, this movie was directed by Nicholas Hytner, 59, who also brought you the History Boys, Center Stage, The Object Of My Affection, the Crucible and the great Madness of King George, which was his first movie in 1994. As Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings starred in the play of the Lady In The Van, they were the perfect choice for this movie and with Nicholas Hytner directing the play, there really wasn't anybody else who could have worked on this project. I was thoroughly entertained throughout and I have to give Maggie Smith top marks for her brilliant performance.
Budget: $6million Worldwide Gross: $30million
I recommend this movie to people who are into their biography/drama/comedies starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, Jim Broadbent, Roger Allam, Gwen Taylor, Frances de la Tour and James Corden. 7/10
Round-Up: It's good to see a small independent movie, make such a profit at the box office, because it really did deserve it. Maggie Smith deserved to win the BAFTA & Golden Globe for her role but she sadly lost out to Jennifer Lawrence for the Golden Globe and Brie Larson for the BAFTA. At 81 years old, and with an impressive career behind her, which started at 1956 in a TV series called the Adventures of Aggie, she's highly respected in her field and with 2 Oscars and 3 Golden Globes, I can truly say that she has had an excellent career to date. Anyway, this movie was directed by Nicholas Hytner, 59, who also brought you the History Boys, Center Stage, The Object Of My Affection, the Crucible and the great Madness of King George, which was his first movie in 1994. As Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings starred in the play of the Lady In The Van, they were the perfect choice for this movie and with Nicholas Hytner directing the play, there really wasn't anybody else who could have worked on this project. I was thoroughly entertained throughout and I have to give Maggie Smith top marks for her brilliant performance.
Budget: $6million Worldwide Gross: $30million
I recommend this movie to people who are into their biography/drama/comedies starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, Jim Broadbent, Roger Allam, Gwen Taylor, Frances de la Tour and James Corden. 7/10