The Van

R

Released May 16, 1996

1h 45m

Comedy

Drama

List

38%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

71%

Audience Score

500+ Ratings

Given his experience working with food, it's hardly surprising that after losing his job at a bakery, Brendan "Bimbo" Reeves (Donal O'Kelly) becomes successful selling fried morsels from a van. He hires Larry (Colm Meaney), his best friend, to help, but having Bimbo for a boss doesn't improve their relationship. The van is eventually closed down by a health inspector -- which Bimbo thinks is because Larry ratted him out over questionable food prep techniques -- and their friendship is severed.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Rent Now

Fandango at Home

Apple TV

Rent The Van on Fandango at Home, or buy it on Apple TV.

Globe and Mail

Rated: 2/4

Apr 12, 2002

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

The movie builds its comic scenes by close observation.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 3/5

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Rated: 4/5

Mar 27, 2006

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 2.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Michael Szymanski

Zap2it.com

Rated: 1/5

Oct 15, 2005

Full Review

Read all reviews

sean G

A great Irish movie , lovely story and a nice snapshot of Irish life, Irish football and Irish family life , great cast 10/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/18/24

Full Review

Jason

Loved every second of this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Between 2.5 and 3 stars. Looks a better story could have been developed from there.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Superbly funny and a fantastic adaptation from the book penned by real life genius that is Roddy Doyle!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Don't really get films like this anymore, shame really - I've watched this a few times and loved it everytime

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Great flick that stands the test of time no problem!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Stephen Frears

Director

Colm Meaney

Larry

Donal O'Kelly

'Bimbo'

Ger Ryan

Maggie Reeves, Bimbo's Wife

Caroline Rothwell

Mary, Larry's Wife

Neilí Conroy

Diane

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Sideways

97%

79%

Sideways

TRAILER

for Sideways

Cousin Bette

41%

40%

Cousin Bette

Trees Lounge

81%

78%

Trees Lounge

The Big Squeeze

43%

60%

The Big Squeeze

Brassed Off

80%

79%

Brassed Off

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Given his experience working with food, it's hardly surprising that after losing his job at a bakery, Brendan "Bimbo" Reeves (Donal O'Kelly) becomes successful selling fried morsels from a van. He hires Larry (Colm Meaney), his best friend, to help, but having Bimbo for a boss doesn't improve their relationship. The van is eventually closed down by a health inspector -- which Bimbo thinks is because Larry ratted him out over questionable food prep techniques -- and their friendship is severed.

Director: Stephen Frears
Producer: Lynda Myles
Screenwriter: Roddy Doyle
Distributor: Fox, 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Beacon Communications, Fox Searchlight
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 16, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $621.1K
Runtime: 1h 45m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR

Most Popular at Home Now