Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This delightfully dark and sardonic 'on the road' style news show, with its small cast of quirky but true-to-life characters, can get away with almost any absurd or offensive bit with just one twinkle from the eyes of its lovable-jerk host, Jon Benjamin.Jon Benjamin Has a Van is not going to be everyone's cup of cake, but for people with a taste for weird-brow humor, it will be something truly special. The guerrilla street pieces, twisted reality shows, and written sketch pieces all feature Benjamin as a borderline mean-spirited prankster, who for whatever reason is undeniably likable. Seeing what he comes up with to pull on people next and how he'll talk his way out of the trouble his mischievousness seems to lead him to makes the show worth watching.For anyone who is a fan of Tosh.0 who does not like JBHV, that makes a great deal of sense. There are two opposing styles of humor happening in each show, and if you are partial to the slaphappy viral video style of Tosh, you are likely to turn the channel from the calculated, thoughtful, sometimes meta approach of Jon Benjamin.The payoffs of JBHV are best absorbed after soaking in an entire episode (the sketches and short pieces juxtaposed with the unraveling news-stories). I find the re-watch value of the show tremendous-- I watched the pilot "Border" on Comedy Central's site twice in the last month after watching the premiere, and caught myself cracking up at parts I'd laughed over and subsequently missed in previous viewings.Hoping the show gets picked up for a second season, and also that more episodes are released online so that those without cable can indulge!! A real treat if you love great comedy and killer cameos from folks on UCB, Mr. Show, The Mighty Boosh, 30 Rock, Tim&Eric, and more!

in my opinion great. the fact that Tim and Eric are in episode 3 makes this show even greater. however i can tell you not everyone will love this show, its to over the top for some people. but, Jon B make this show even better with his "i don't give a s*^#" attitude and lack of love for all human kind makes me laugh even more. the show is a off the wall somewhat sketch comedy. (if that makes sense) and if you try not to over think whats going on this show will make you cry tears of laughter. all in all the show is very well written. what most people should love is the fact that its not just another show. this show is unlike most shows and to me the only comparison is Tim and Eric awesome show great job. and its not quite as crazy as that show but does take some similar traits like have no continued storyline just random greatness

I think this was a decent starter episode. I think people need to not expect love at first sight with their shows. People don't evaluate them well because they don't know the vibe or tone. It's like meeting people for the first time. Sometimes you think they are weirdos or offensive but when you know them a bit you put the picture together on who they are. Nobody liked Seinfeld or Conan or Family Guy much either when they started.I thought the starter OCD bit was funny. It's taking something common that people obsess over and making it funny by coming at it from a different direction. It's ridiculous.The soldier bit was taking it's time but it was a setup for the equally ridiculous made up malady of Pre Traumatic Stress Disorder. I saw some familiar faces and it's attached to Funny or Die so good things should come if people can just relax.

I agree with the first review, it was funny and quirky, i enjoyed it. i also did not laugh out loud at all. it is more of one of those shows where you just think in your head, yeah that was funny. it is full of a lot of actors who put on some good performances as bit players in some funny movies. i really like the big read head guy who was in old school and role models, he is consistently funny. i'm not sure but is this john benjamin guy also a voice character on the show the life and times of tim? the one skit i really enjoyed was the cash stall one, would have liked to see more of them. based on this episode i can't see this standing the test of time, but it might be one of those that are better of just having one or two great seasons and being done.