Sommerleigh Pollonais – Senior Writer
Anyone else ever noticed that when a comedy ends with a dance number or bloopers the movie itself wasn’t that funny? It’s almost like the outtakes are the filmmaker’s way of apologising.
The War with Grandpa stars Robert DeNiro and friends, and tells the story of a young boy who is upset because he has to move out of the room he loves when his grandfather comes to live with them. So he decides to declare war on Pop-Pop, to get it back.
Yep, that’s the premise of a movie folks! I didn’t watch this movie, it watched me while it slowly sucked the laughter and life out of my soul. Robert De Niro gets a lifelong pass from me, as I feel the man has paid his dues and given us some truly iconic performances in his lifetime. So if he wants to take it easy, good for him. This also goes for the older cast members shown here like Christopher Walken and Jane Seymour. Everyone else gets a C- .
Now I’ll readily admit, I’m not the target audience this movie is aiming at. There were a few heartfelt moments that made me sit up and pay attention and I laughed out loud (once) at a recurring gag that happens between the grandfather and his son-in-law (I think you’ll know it when you see it).
That said, it didn’t make sitting through this generic, mostly unfunny movie any easier. The young cast of actors are completely forgettable and some of the pranks Peter (the grandson) plays on his granddad were downright dangerous. I love a good pratfall as much as the next guy, but I thought this was a family-friendly movie. Dude straight up could’ve killed the old man!
I think parents with very young kids might have a bit of fun watching this, but for me this movie should come with a “do not resuscitate” warning sticker.
Sommer’s Score: 4.5 out of 10
For another unfunny comedy you might want to steer clear of you can check out my review of Pauly Shore’s House Guest here. And for more cautionary film reviews you can like and follow Redmangoreviews on Facebook here.
Sommerleigh of the House Pollonais. First of Her Name. Sushi Lover, Queen of Horror Movies, Comic Books and Binge Watching Netflix. Mother of two beautiful black cats named Vader and Kylo. I think eating Popcorn at the movies should be mandatory, PS4 makes the best games ever and I’ll be talking about movies until the zombie apocalypse comes.
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