Episode 47 - The Van (1977) The Vanniversary Part 2
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD EPISODE 47 - THE VAN (1977)
One year ago we started this podcast with the movie that introduced us to the exploitation film genre and one year later we are revisiting it.
After watching dozens of movies for this show and talking about The Van in every single episode of the podcast we wondered if it would still hold up. Could it still be as great as we remembered it? Is Bobby really as bad as we make him out to be?
I can say without a doubt that The Van is every bit as insane as we remember it; maybe even more so. I've always said that if someone is interested in the exploitation genre they should start by watching The Van (1997). If they can stomach this movie and walk away laughing then they should dive deeper into the dumpster of forgotten cinema; if not, they should run, run like an innocent woman that's caught in Bobby's sights.
What is it about this movie that makes it so special? Is it mere nostalgia for us or does it really represent the best this genre has to offer?
Nothing about this movie should work: on a technical level it's a complete mess, it makes no sense, it looks terrible and it's content is reprehensible. Despite all this I love this movie. If I have a bad day I could put on The Van and just drift away and forget my problems for a mere 86 minutes. I've seen this movie at least eight times and I'll never find out how Devito gets that money but I simply can't get this damn film out of my head. Hell, right now I'm listening to Chevy Van by Sammy Johns as I write this blog; The Van has completely consumed my life and there is pretty much nothing I can do about it.
The purpose of this show was originally to explore exploitation films and share some hidden gems we've found. It's since evolved into a small but loyal community in which we can all share our love of obscure movies and revel in the pain and pleasure of watching the most bizarre films ever released to the public. Sure, people could say these movies are "bad" but to us they are more than that; they are art; our art.
The last year has been a real adventure for us. There have been plenty of ups and downs in our personal lives but the Grindbin has always been there to provide an entertaining distraction for us and remind us that we aren't alone.
We might never find out how Devito got that money but we will never stop thinking about it or what crazy adventures Bobby and him would have got into if they just kept that camera rolling. Thanks for joining us on this journey and we hope you climb into the Straight Arrow with us and keep it going into the foreseeable future.
It surely wont last forever but for now we will always have the Grindbin. Thanks guys.
