The War with Grandpa

If you're looking for a light-hearted family comedy, 'The War with Grandpa' might scratch that itch. But don't expect to find anything particularly groundbreaking here.

Family Feud Over a Room

In 'The War with Grandpa,' Peter, played by Oakes Fegley, is initially excited about his Grandpa Ed, portrayed by Robert De Niro, moving in with his family. However, the joy quickly turns to frustration when Grandpa takes over Peter's room, forcing him to relocate to a dusty attic. Feeling resentment, Peter decides to declare a 'war' against his beloved grandparent to reclaim his space. The film navigates classic generational conflicts wrapped in slapstick humor, highlighting the absurdity of family dynamics. Though it tries to portray heartwarming moments, the plot often feels thin and predictable.

Stars Shine, Others Fade

Robert De Niro delivers a solid performance as Grandpa Ed, embracing the comedy with his usual charisma. However, it’s a shame that many of the supporting characters, including Uma Thurman as Peter's mom Sally and Christopher Walken as Jerry, are underutilized. They barely leave a mark, overshadowed by the slapstick antics and the central conflict between Peter and his grandfather. Oakes Fegley does his best to engage the audience as the frustrated kid, but he often gets lost amid the chaos, making it hard for viewers to connect deeply with any character.

Safe Choices, Missed Opportunities

Tim Hill's direction is straightforward, opting for a formulaic approach that feels safe and uninspired. The comedic gags, while occasionally funny, often rely on predictable setups, which detracts from the potential for genuine surprises. Visually, the film doesn’t take risks either; it’s brightly lit and colorful, aiming for that family-friendly aesthetic. However, this creates a somewhat generic feel that fails to elevate the material. The editing is uneven, leading to moments that drag and others that rush past crucial character development.

Minor Laughs, Major Lulls

Watching 'The War with Grandpa' can feel like a mixed bag. While there are moments of genuine humor and family sentiment, many scenes drag on longer than they should, leading to bouts of boredom. The film attempts to tug at heartstrings but often resorts to clichés and predictable outcomes that undermine any real emotional weight. It feels like a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes of family and generational differences. Instead, viewers might find themselves rolling their eyes at the repetitive antics.