REVIEW: The War with Grandpa Finds Grandson and Grandpa At Odds in New Family Comedy
Imagine going to war against one of your grandparents, to the point where each prank against one another escalates in the hope the other will give in and give you what you want. That is the case for Peter (Oakes Fegley) and Ed (Robert de Niro) in 101 Studios’ new movie, The War with Grandpa. When Peter loses his room after his grandfather moves in, Peter decides to go to war against his grandfather until he gives him his room back. Ed warns Peter against this war, but Peter is insistent. Initially Peter thinks his grandfather will give up after the first prank, but he soon learns he is messing with the wrong grandfather.
On the surface, it seems ridiculous that a grandfather and a grandson would go to war against each other. What kind of grandson goes to war against his grandfather over a room? Despite the concept, it actually makes for a pretty funny ride. De Niro and Fegley play so well against each other you won’t be able to pick which side you want to align with. There is no doubt some of the pranks are a little over the top, which is what makes them so funny. It also helps strengthen the familial connection as how each plans and executes the prank showcases how alike they are when they are.
Laura Marano has a minor role as Peter’s older sister, Mia, with Jane Seymour, Christopher Walken and Cheech Marin, as Ed’s friends, Diane, Jerry and Danny, rounding out the cast. There is one scene in particular where Diane, Jerry, and Danny help Ed with the war that will have you laughing from start to finish with how insane it is. This moment alone makes the film worth watching, just to see these four on screen together.
The War with Grandpa is the perfect movie to watch with the family on movie night. It’s filled with an A-list cast and Fegley proves that he can play ball with the legends in this movie. The comedy is very family friendly and will have everyone laughing. It is up to you if you want to go see it in theaters, but if you don’t, I would definitely check it out when it is released to VOD.
Grade: B