So, this isn’t really a review, but rather an explanation of why I’m not reviewing The Lady In The Van.

You see, today was the day I took my Mom to the movies. She got to pick the film. She picked The Lady In The Van because a friend had told her Maggie Smith was really good in it. I knew virtually nothing about the film, which is odd for me, other than it was in the awards season buzz, but failed to really make an impact (other than her Golden Globe nomination).

After sitting through at least SIX previews (no shit… Demolition, Eye In The Sky, Greek Wedding 2, Eddie The Eagle, Free State Of Jones, The Jungle Book), we finally made it to the film… for about fifteen minutes. Twice during those fifteen minutes, she told me she was bored. Mind you, my mother watched Downton Abbey religiously, and various BBC dramas. I wasn’t as bored as she was, but yes, the film was not blowing my mind either. I was a little at a “take it or leave it” place, and I chose to leave it because she didn’t really seem interested in the film she had chosen, and would rather see something else. So, we switched our tickets to see Deadpool.

Why did I bother posting this? Because I can’t remember the last time I walked out of a film, honestly. I’ve sat through some really trash films for the duration, yet I walked out of a Maggie Smith film that got her a Golden Globe nomination? It felt weird doing it, but at the same time, it wasn’t really my choice.

Perhaps one day, I’ll sit down and watch The Lady In The Van from start to finish, without leaving the screen in front of me, but for now, I feel a bit guilty. I hope, one day, Dame Smith can find it in her heart to forgive me.

If I were to review the fifteen minutes I watched, I would say Maggie Smith was incredible, and Alex Jennings is obnoxious. I hate when I can’t relate to the protagonist, which distances me a bit from caring about what happens to him. Sorry.