If you are looking for a film to watch with the entire family this weekend, The War With Grandpa is a solid choice. With an all-star cast that includes Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Christopher Walken, Cheech Marin, Rob Riggle, and Jane Seymour, a few smiles and laughs are automatically guaranteed.
Pitting legendary De Niro against talented youngin’ Oakes Fegley in a grandpa/grandson all-out war provides a classic turf battle that has us crying out that Grandpa’s hip should be broken by now. But the geriatric violence is all in the sake of comedy and by the end of the film, both Grandpa and grandson have learned some lessons and develop mutual respect for one another.
Director Tim Hill says the comedy, conflict, and relationships is what drew him to the film. “I related to a kid who has to give up his room. That’s the thing he has that he loves the most and he doesn’t see the fairness in it,” explained Tim. “That was really fun to explore. Plus, you know, the youth fighting the oldies is pretty fun.”
The chemistry between De Niro and onscreen grandson Oakes Fegley felt natural. “They really connected,” says Tim. “Bob [De Niro] was very helpful. He’s got the experience. He was great with Oakes and just a very giving actor and very patient.”