The Van

Watch The Van

"Bobby has a new machine... and everyone wants a ride!"
  • R
  • 1977
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 4.5  (1,059)

The Van is a 1977 comedy movie directed by Sam Grossman and starring Stuart Goetz, Deborah White, and a young Danny DeVito. The film is based on a novel written by Rod Amateau. The story follows best friends Bobby (Stuart Goetz) and Andy (Deborah White), two high school graduates who are looking for one last summer of fun before heading off to college. They decide to buy a van and customize it into a rolling party on wheels. Their plan is to cruise the streets of Los Angeles, picking up girls and having a good time.

Bobby works at a car dealership and uses his employee discount to buy the van. He and Andy spend all their time and money customizing it, including adding a waterbed, a TV, and a variety of other gadgets. They also spend their time trying to pick up girls, but they have little success until they meet Suzie (Marcie Barkin), a girl who is willing to fuel their fantasies but comes with some unexpected baggage.

The movie is full of the typical antics of two young people with too much time on their hands, including crashing a party and getting chased by the police. But The Van also touches on some more serious topics, such as the pressure to conform and the fear of leaving the safe and familiar behind.

The film's real star is the van itself, which is a fully customized 1977 Dodge Tradesman. It has an impressive stereo system, a sunroof, a toilet, and even a disco ball. The van becomes the symbol of the freedom and adventure that Bobby and Andy are seeking.

The Van is a time capsule of the 1970s, with its bright colors, disco music, and free-spirited attitudes. It has all the hallmarks of a classic teen comedy, including plenty of sexual innuendo, drug use, and outrageous behavior. But it also has a heart that shines through in the friendship between Bobby and Andy and their shared hopes and dreams.

The performances are solid, with Goetz and White bringing a likable charm to their roles as the two friends. DeVito makes a brief appearance as the owner of a rival van, and his talent for physical comedy is on full display. Barkin is also memorable as Suzie, the girl who becomes entangled in Bobby and Andy's adventures.

The movie's soundtrack is a highlight, with classic disco hits from the likes of Donna Summer, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Earth, Wind & Fire. The music perfectly captures the spirit of the era and adds to the overall fun and carefree tone of the film.

Overall, The Van is a lighthearted comedy that captures the spirit of the 1970s. It may not be a deep or profound movie, but it's a fun and enjoyable ride that will put a smile on your face. And if you're a fan of classic cars, you'll definitely appreciate the impressive customization on display in this movie.

The Van is a 1977 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.

The Van
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Where to Watch The Van
The Van is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Van for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1977
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.5  (1,059)
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