The War with Grandpa (2020)

Review Team

3/5

The War with Grandpa, directed by Tim Hill, is a family comedy that attempts to blend humour with heartfelt moments. The plot centres on Peter, played by Oakes Fegley, who finds his life turned upside down when his grandfather, portrayed by Robert De Niro, moves in and takes over his room. The film' ... Show more >> The War with Grandpa, directed by Tim Hill, is a family comedy that attempts to blend humour with heartfelt moments. The plot centres on Peter, played by Oakes Fegley, who finds his life turned upside down when his grandfather, portrayed by Robert De Niro, moves in and takes over his room. The film's premise is amusing and resonates with the universal theme of sibling rivalry and generational conflict. De Niro's performance brings warmth to his character, while Fegley effectively captures the frustrations of a young boy in a not-so-ideal situation. However, the film often leans heavily on slapstick humour, which may not appeal to all audiences. The direction lacks the finesse to elevate the material beyond typical family fare, resulting in a predictable storyline. While the film delivers laughs and a few touching moments, it ultimately feels like it misses an opportunity to explore deeper themes of family connection. Nevertheless, it serves as a light-hearted watch for families looking for an entertaining diversion. Show less

Editor Team

2/5

The War with Grandpa is a film that tries hard to tickle your funny bone but often falls flat. The story, revolving around a boy's hilarious 'war' with his grandfather, played by the legendary Robert De Niro, could have been a delightful romp through family dynamics. Instead, it feels like a series ... Show more >> The War with Grandpa is a film that tries hard to tickle your funny bone but often falls flat. The story, revolving around a boy's hilarious 'war' with his grandfather, played by the legendary Robert De Niro, could have been a delightful romp through family dynamics. Instead, it feels like a series of disjointed gags strung together with little regard for plot or character development. While there are moments that spark a chuckle, much of the humour relies on predictable slapstick that feels outdated. De Niro, despite his immense talent, is often overshadowed by the juvenile antics that dominate the screen. The film does attempt to convey a message about family and understanding, but these moments feel forced and fail to resonate. If you're after a film that caters solely to younger audiences, you might find some entertainment here. However, for those seeking a more substantial narrative or clever comedy, The War with Grandpa is likely to disappoint. Show less