This film focuses on the contrasting characters of a writer and an elderly Maggie Smith as the 'lady', or rather ungrateful, self-orientated woman in the yellow van, (and yellow Reliant Robin also). Having said that, her acting is very good once again and her relationship with Alan Bennett is brilliantly portrayed. This film manages to keep a lively feel to it with an occasional laugh here and there. The story is also quite good considering that it is based on a 'mostly' true story of an elderly woman who decides to move into the parkway of a resident in Camden for what was meant to be 3 months, but in actuality became 15 years. This is almost a stereotypically British film with the surprise appearance of James Cordon, and of course a British director, Nicholas Hytner. This is a likable film on many levels although the end might throw a few people. Nevertheless, overall a good film. 7.0/10
Review of The Lady in the Van
