The War with Grandpa

The War with Grandpa is a 2020 family comedy-drama directed by Tim Hill. The film features a top-performing ensemble cast led by the legendary Robert De Niro. Alongside De Niro are Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Oakes Fegley, Laura Marano, Cheech Marin, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Walken. The film provides an amusing portrayal of intergenerational conflicts, served with a side of sentimentality and warmth.

In The War with Grandpa, our protagonist is a young boy named Peter (played by Oakes Fegley). Peter enjoys a regular, satisfying life until his widowed Grandpa Ed (Robert De Niro) moves in with their family, following a minor mishap involving a grocery store scanner that leaves his independent living skills in question. The decision to move Grandpa Ed in the house forces Peter out of his comfortable and cherished bedroom into the less desirable, frill-less attic. This turn of events sets the main conflict in motion, with Peter now faced with a predicament he feels is unfair and unwarranted.

Feeling displaced and somewhat slighted, Peter decides the only logical solution is to declare war on Grandpa Ed, in hopes of winning his room back. Peter believes that he can outsmart his elderly grandfather with booby traps and pranks, thinking the elderly man will be an easy opponent. He hands over a neatly written "declaration of war" and waits for his grandpa to falter in the oncoming onslaught of mischief.

What perhaps Peter did not anticipate, however, is that Grandpa Ed would not only accept this unexpected challenge of war but also be a formidable adversary. Ed is a battle-hardened veteran and a bit of a shrewd prankster himself. He draws on his old-time tactics and enlists the help of his friends, played by veterans of the screen Cheech Marin, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Walken, to help him retaliate. Their collective experience and cunning tactics give them a unique edge in this seventies-versus-seven-year-olds showdown.

The movie does an excellent job of delivering a torrent of comical pranks, stunts, and slapstick humor throughout this entertaining 'war'. It brings to the audience rollicking, extravagant battles of one-upmanship, escalating in scale and hilarity with each passing scene.

As the rest of the family, Uma Thurman and Rob Riggle, who play Peter’s parents, add elements of comedy and wit to the mix, their patience gradually eroding as pranks go off at the wrong time, targeting the wrong people, and involving the whole house in shenanigans meant only for the dueling duo.

The War with Grandpa effectively weaves in some heartfelt moments amongst the comedy. It explores family dynamics, the impacts of age, and the importance of understanding and empathy. The narrative takes the viewer on an emotional ride, where an intergenerational ‘war’ leads to a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and fosters a growing bond of love, respect, and admiration between a grandfather and his grandson.

The film, while showcasing a stream of family-friendly humor, doesn't shy away from dealing with more profound themes, making it relatable and heartwarming. The compelling performances by the critically acclaimed cast, especially by De Niro and Fegley, elevate the film, making it a memorable watch.

With The War with Grandpa, director Tim Hill, marries humor with sentiment brilliantly, creating a balanced and enjoyable cinematic experience. The film's humor never verges into being mean-spirited, instead retaining a light-hearted and playful tone, keeping the audience laughing while delivering messages of love, understanding, and empathy.

In all, The War with Grandpa is a fun-filled family comedy that balances humor with sentimentality. The film encapsulates an unusual war and the love that exists even amidst this madness. It is a movie that reminds audiences of all ages about the power of family, understanding, and the chaos and joy in generational differences.