by Shane Conto
What would be the best way for Robert De Niro to follow-up his towering performance in Scorsese’s The Irishman? Starring in a “child-friendly” comedy about a boy and his grandpa having a prank war would be best, right? Oh…that is definitely wrong. But nonetheless, De Niro took the paycheck to appear in The War with Grandpa. What is probably most surprising (or maybe not so surprising) is that De Niro is leaps and bounds the best part of the film. This legendary actor certainly brings the goods with an endearing presence and strong comedic timing. But can the rest of the film live up to the hype that De Niro brings?
Who is the best director to take the reins on such a silly and madcap endeavor?
You certainly need the talents of a director who was responsible for classics like Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Tim Hill brings a workman like approach to the film as it is a film that looks like anyone could have directed it. The sheen of a “TV Movie”-esque is all over this project. Oh boy…the tone is definitely something that stands out though. But is it for the right reasons? Well, if you want a film that swings wild including some really mean-spirited moments, then this one is for you. The jokes can be so lazy and illogical that it makes the audience hope for the film to wrap up already. That occurred way too many times for the 95-minute film.
But you know that a comedy can really save itself with some great laughs.
But can The War with Grandpa save itself from well…itself? Not quite. There are definitely laughs to be had, but it is hard to distinguish between good jokes or just a really committed performance from De Niro. He certainly gives it his all! The screenplay is predictable with the film hitting all of the expected beats. The story also delivers plenty of illogical jokes that just don’t make senses…as in no real human being would fall for some of the pranks in the film. Some of the gags were surprisingly stale after one attempt, yet, they decided to do them a few more times. The film relies too much on the lowest brow humor. Most of the characters are also walking stereotypes that fall flat on their faces. Why is the mother in this movie bullied by the script so much? Why does the film make the dad nothing more than a running joke? Why is the grandson such a little demon? I hated every second he and his terribly rendered friends were on screen. The boy is terrible and garners absolutely zero empathy. I could keep going on and on about it but…I digress.
Besides De Niro, the whole rest of the cast is completely misused or wasted.
Christopher Walken has nothing to do at all but make quirky comments in his distinct accent. Cheech Marin is just a creepy old man the whole time. Jane Seymour is famous and attractive, right? Where did they find Uma Thurman and how much did they pay her for the opportunity to torture her? Oakes Fegley really doesn’t really get to be anything but whiny and mean.
What else can I say about The War with Grandpa?
Do you have a low bar for humor and a taste for awkward physical comedy? Is watching Robert De Niro in committed comedic form worth your film experience? Do you appreciate an on-the-nose message about REAL war in the middle of a prank war? Then this one might be for you! And you will probably really enjoy the obnoxious ridiculous sequel tease for The War with Grandpa’s Girlfriend.
Grade: D