The War with Grandpa

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 9, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Family

Cast & Crew

• Robert De Niro as Ed
• Oakes Fegley as Peter
• Uma Thurman as Sally
• Rob Riggle as Arthur
• Laura Marano as Mia
• Cheech Marin as Danny
• Jane Seymour as Diane
• Christopher Walken as Jerry

Director
Tim Hill

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)
• Hop (2011)
• The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)
• Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever (2014)

Producer
Marvin Peart, Rosa Peart, Phillip Glasser

Writer
Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember (based on the novel The War with Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith)

Budget
$38 million

Production Company
Marro Films, TRI G, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films

Running Time
94 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG (for rude humor, language, and some thematic elements)

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Slapstick humor
• Pranks and mischief
• Family conflict resolution

Movie Story
“The War with Grandpa” centers around young Peter (Oakes Fegley), who is not pleased when his recently widowed grandfather, Ed (Robert De Niro), moves into his home and takes over his beloved bedroom. Unwilling to give up his room without a fight, Peter decides to declare war on his grandpa in an effort to reclaim his territory.

The film follows a series of increasingly elaborate pranks and counterattacks as Peter and Ed engage in a playful but escalating battle. As the stakes rise, the pranks become more outrageous, involving everything from hidden snakes to sabotaged alarm clocks. Despite the comedic tone, the film also touches on the themes of family, understanding, and the importance of communication across generations.

As the conflict intensifies, both Peter and Ed begin to realize that their war is hurting those around them, particularly Peter’s parents, Sally (Uma Thurman) and Arthur (Rob Riggle), and his sisters. In the end, the two find common ground and learn that their relationship is more important than any bedroom.

“The War with Grandpa” is a heartwarming family comedy that emphasizes the value of family bonds, even amidst the chaos of a generational prank war.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The War with Grandpa” are primarily used to enhance the comedic pranks and physical humor. These include visual gags such as booby traps, exaggerated stunts, and slapstick moments. The effects are light-hearted and aimed at creating humor without taking away from the film’s family-friendly atmosphere.

Box Office Performance
Despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic, “The War with Grandpa” performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing approximately $40 million worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its appeal as a family-friendly film and the star power of Robert De Niro and the supporting cast.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “This is war. Let’s do this!” – Peter
• “You want it back? Come and get it.” – Grandpa Ed

Behind-the-Scenes
“The War with Grandpa” is based on the 1984 novel of the same name by Robert Kimmel Smith. The film had been in development for several years before finally being made, with Robert De Niro signing on to play the lead role. The chemistry between De Niro and the younger cast members was a key focus during filming, aiming to create a believable and endearing family dynamic.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The War with Grandpa” is a fun, light-hearted family comedy that delivers plenty of laughs through its playful battle of wits between a grandfather and his grandson. While it may not break new ground in the genre, the film’s charm lies in its relatable themes of family conflict and reconciliation, brought to life by a talented cast led by Robert De Niro. It’s an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages, particularly families looking for a movie night pick.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10