THE WAR WITH GRANDPA | Review & Giveaway

Looking for a family movie this holiday season that screams relatable?  The hilarious comedy, THE WAR WITH GRANDPA, is now available on Digital and will be on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on December 22, 2020.   We all have those family moments where we feel like we’re at war with each other.   This movie takes one epic generational battle to a whole new comedic level!  Be sure to check out below how to win your own combo pack!

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THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

About the Movie

Get ready to laugh your holiday socks off with this all-out prank battle!  Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name by Robert Kimmel Smith, this multi-award-winning story showcases a series of escalating shenanigans that unfold after a recently widowed grandfather (played by Academy Award^® winner Robert DeNiro) moves in with his daughter and her family.  The change in household dynamics forces the grandson, Peter, (played by Oakes Fegley), to ever so apprehensively give up his bedroom space to his elder.  In an effort to let Grandpa Ed know how he truly feels about the changes being made, the sixth grade gamer devises a plethora of hijinks to push him out.  What Peter doesn’t realize is he is about to encounter a battle of wits with someone who has both experience in the military and in life. 

What I liked about THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

I’ll confess, it’s definitely not one of my all-time favorite family comedies.  However, I do enjoy DeNiro and was certainly curious to see how his well-rounded talent would age right along with him.  His performance was both believable and hilarious and he was able to pull off a well-knit together character who showed:

• care and concern for his family
• his desire for independence despite having difficulties at times
• the sincere loss one feels with the passing of a spouse 
• and the interest in teaching his grandson a life lesson or two. 

That’s a lot to pack into a role ~ not to mention successfully!

I appreciated the fact that the writers incorporated a few lessons into the script.   Though these lessons were certainly not highlighted as the primary purpose of the movie, we do see an importance placed on the family and a need to take care of each other.  I also appreciated the “rules of engagement” that were instituted during the generational battle and how these rules were intended to protect nonparticipants.  However, we all know that war gets messy and consequences usually extend beyond the parameters of those involved.     

Oh, and the youngest daughter in the movie (played by Poppy Gagnon) ~ she’s adorable and I love the character’s fascination with Christmas.  I’m with you 110%, girl!

Of course, there’s also something to be said about the rest of the all-star cast ~ Christopher Walken, Jane Seymour, Cheech Marin, Rob Riggle, Uma Thurman????  This list alone makes the movie worth the watch!  

What I didn’t like about THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

Well, to be honest, I just wasn’t a fan of the childish attitude Peter has towards his grandfather.  It’s a little annoying to me, but that could stem from the fact that I’m a mother.  I simply wouldn’t tolerate that kind of behavior from my boys.  Of course, Peter’s pal Billy grated on me even more so.  Realistically speaking, my children would be discouraged from having close “friends” like him.  Just sayin’….

To Peter’s defense, however, I do believe there could have been better communication from the adults in the movie when it came to explaining the family situation.  Considering there were bats and rats up in the attic, it would have been healthier, safer and probably more socially acceptable to prepare better accommodations than what the six grader was provided as an alternative.  I mean, that in of itself could have potentially prevented the relational fracture that occurred.   

On another note, I’m not sure there was a reason to end the movie the way they did.  Opening the door for a sequel?   The movie was enjoyable, but I’m not sure where they could even take it from here.  

Not to mention, the storyline for the teenage daughter?  Yeah, that seemed a bit unnecessary and frivolous.  It didn’t truly add anything, to be honest.   But ~ that’s my personal “mom” opinion.

Would I recommend THE WAR WITH GRANDPA?

So, yes ~ you did just read a few things I didn’t like about the movie.  I’m pretty confident they weren’t going for Oscar quality material here, though.  My pros still outweigh my cons and I actually did enjoy the movie itself.  It was a sit back, relax, enjoy the shenanigans kind of flick that had no requirement to process, analyze, or feel anything.  I followed the story, I could relate to the relationships, and I laughed in various spots.  It was just an all around good family friendly movie to watch.  

What you should know before watching THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

As normal, I still feel I should let you know about some things that could be considered triggers for parents and/or children.  In this movie, be aware that the following do occur or exist: 

• While there was no profanity in the movie (it is rated PG), there are several pranks Grandpa Ed and Peter pull that should NOT be replicated by anyone in the real world.   Parents will want to sit close by and watch this with their youngsters so that they can explain that the tactics used in these on-screen battles are not those that should be done to siblings, other family members, friends or even enemies.  
• There is no nudity.  However, there are at least two scenes that imply that gravity wins when it comes to Grandpa Ed and the pants he is wearing.  I’m not even sure that eyes need to be covered, though. 
• Jane Seymour plays a small role in the movie and her character does carry a flask of what is believed to be filled with an alcoholic beverage.  She shares this with Cheech Marin’s character during the birthday party scene.  Just a heads up. 
• I also simply want to reiterate that Peter’s behavior is not exactly acceptable (nor is Grandpa Ed’s, Mia’s or Billy’s, for that matter).  However, it is understandable (to a degree) considering the situation.  

Enter to win your own copy of THE WAR WITH GRANDPA!!

Are you a Robert DeNiro fan?  Do you enjoy a good family comedy?  Looking for a Friday night on the couch kind of movie?  Well, here’s your chance to own your own copy of THE WAR WITH GRANDPA!  Simply enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a THE WAR WITH GRANDPA Blu-ray combo pack!   Entries will close on December 26th, 2020 (11:59 pm EST).  Enter soon!!  

12/27/20 – A winner has been chosen!  Congrats, Cassandra D. from California!

Thanks to all who participated!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Availability details one more time!

• OWN IT ON DIGITAL DECEMBER 15, 2020
• BLU-RAY^TM AND DVD DECEMBER 22, 2020

 

Follow the movie: 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WarWithGrandpa/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/warwithgrandpa
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warwithgrandpa/
• #WarWithGrandpa

A FEW IMPORTANT PIECES OF INFORMATION REGARDING GIVEAWAY:

• This giveaway runs from December 21, 2020, to December 26th, 2020 (11:59 PM). 
• No purchase necessary to win; only an email address is required.  Your privacy is important to me. I will not share (other than with a sponsor for the purpose of getting a prize to you, if applicable) or sell either your email address or mailing address.  (For more info, here’s The Curious Footprint Privacy Policy) 
• The winner will be chosen randomly on December 27th through Rafflecopter Random Selector (which uses Random.org) and contacted via email.  A reply to the winning email is required within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen. 
• The combo pack will be provided by the brand.  This giveaway will have only one winner.  The Curious Footprint is not responsible for delivery of the package once the winner’s name has been submitted to the brand.  
• This giveaway is open to U.S. entrants only.  Must be 18 or older to enter.
• Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are in no way associated with this giveaway.