If you’ve seen the trailer for ‘The Lady in the Van’, or pretty much any of writer Alan Bennett’s work, you will know what you are getting with this film. Some great dialogue, and recognisable rounded characters, but nothing unexpected or ground breaking.
Largely a true story, Alex Jennings stars as Bennett who agrees to let an eccentric old lady (Maggie Smith) who lives in her van to park in his drive until she “sorts herself out”. She ends up staying for 15 years! Jennings does a good impersonation and Smith is perfect (if a little typecast these days) as the old lady. A number of familiar faces crop up in supporting roles and the film rolls along in a pleasing, though totally predictable way. There is a false note with a scene set in a graveyard towards the end of the film, though that won’t spoil most people’s enjoyment.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10