“The War With Grandpa” if you’re wondering that this movie would be full of arguments between grandson and grandpa then you’re wrong. Instead it is slightly naughty family comedy film. Robert De Niro plays the role of the grandpa who moves in to his12- year- old grandson’s room.
The film is been adapted from Robert Kimmel Smith’s book, and directed by Tim Hill , the film quickly turns into a domestic war, with sixth-grade Peter (Oakes Fegley of “The Goldfinch”) warning grandpa Ed to relocate, or face the consequences. Unlike his mom, Ed’s daughter (Uma Thurman, an unlikely if effective choice), the kid seems a bit concerned that his gramps is still missing his late wife and is struggling on his own with things like, well, driving.The “war” unfolds with a series of escalating pranks, at least two of which leave Ed without his pants, which about sums up the level of comedic aspirations. Fortunately, he has reinforcements (basically seconds in the duel, to counter Peter’s chums) played by Christopher Walken and Cheech Marin, with Jane Seymour subsequently joining in as a welcome new addition to their ranks.
As for the generation which is caught between them, Peter’s folks (with Rob Riggle as his dad) are a slight cut above the usual Charlie Brown-parents in these kind of movies, occasionally getting unwittingly drawn into the conflict. Peter is also a middle child, bookended by sisters with concerns of their own.Edgy it’s not, but everyone seems to be having a pretty good time, perhaps especially the senior class. File it under De Niro’s commitment to be constantly working — augmenting dramatic roles like “The Irishman” with lighter fare, such as the “Meet the Parents” movies and “The Intern” — without excessive fretting about the quality of the material, which he elevates as best he can.
