Some of us when we grow up we fantasize about what we’re going to be when we get older. Some imagine being a doctor, a police officer or any of the other cliche things that kids long for. We dream of having a big home, a spouse to call our own and maybe a couple of kids with a dog; someone to always greet you when you get home. Some might call this the “American” dream. There are some of us that will spend our entire lives chasing after such illusions. Truth is happiness can be found in the places where you least suspect them. Our realities often look different from these dreams.
Those who have meant me in real life know that I’m not exactly what people classify as normal. I’m a strange fellow and I promise that I have been like this nearly my entire life. Growing up, I wanted to do something with movies. I went through phases where it was acting at one point, directing and writing at another. Now, I’m writing about movies. I guess dreams do come true. Roll on snare. This is the part where everyone laughs. The strangest part of my childhood, when it came to dreaming about the future, was I always had tattoos. There was something birthed within me at a very young age to be filled with artwork. I always got in trouble growing up for giving myself fake tattoos. I always used to get tattoos from the ice cream man, carnivals or wherever I could find them.
The one rule I always knew I would have when it came to tattoos was no names. What happens if that individual broke up with me or stopped talking to me? I have Johnny Depp and his tattoo transformation from “Winona Forever” to “Wino Forever” to thank for this conclusion. That all changed in 2012, however, when I broke that sacred rule. I got my grandmother’s name tattooed on my wrist. My grandmother died when I was ten years old. Even at a young age, my sister and I were always really close with her. It’s because of her that I have a thriving passion for the movie medium. My grandmother meant everything to me. Her death was the first real time that I ever felt depression. I’m often nostalgic for my short time with her on this Earth.
Grandparents are a touchy subject for me, sometimes. I had barely been married a year when I lost my last living grandparent. Centering a movie on a grandparent-grandchild relationship can sometimes be a hard thing to go through emotionally, at least. Though, The War with Grandpa, was a pleasant surprise. Far from perfect, the film tells the story of a grandfather (Robert DeNiro) who moves into his daughter (Uma Thurman)’s house, forcing her son (Oakes Fegley) into the attic. Thus setting off a prank war for the proper return of his room. Usually when I see DeNiro in a role like this I can’t help but roll my eyes. It seems like since 2010, DeNiro has been stepping into more and more forgettable roles that would rival the career of Nicolas Cage. Then, he steps into roles like Joker and the Irishman and you’re reminded of the tour de force that he is as an actor.
I was ready to write-off War as another one of these movies that would follow in the footsteps of Dirty Grandpa or Grudge Match. That’s not what the DeNiro audiences will find in this family comedy. War is a surprisingly funny movie that ventures into pulling the heart strings from time to time. DeNiro at the center of it seals the deal. Viewers won’t find the caliber of Raging Bull or Taxi Driver, but you will laugh a decent bit. There are some genuinely funny parts here. Some of them lie in the pranks between DeNiro and Feagley. While others of them will lie in the chemistry between DeNiro, Cheech Marin and Christopher Walken. There is a good chance this movie could fade off into obscurity. A movie with the three of those latter actors would actually be a riot to see.
Unfortunately, not all the jokes are going to be riots. War has a way of setting up these jokes that are really funny the first time. Then, when they come around a second and third time they feel stale and boring. Thurman is a great example of that. She is the unwilling participant of several pranks throughout the movie. There may have been one time I found myself laughing. Outside of that, she is a two-dimensional stereotypical mother archetype that we’ve seen a thousand times in film before. Even Rob Riggle, who plays her husband, has more development and depth than Thurman. You would think that the daughter of the main character would be more fleshed out; not just a Hollywood cliche. Towards the end of the film, there is an odd attempt at making a political statement about the dangers of war. While I will give them props for attempting to make such a statement; it feels unwarranted and out of place.
Overall, The War with Grandpa delivers an unexpectedly funny romp for the entire family. Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken and Cheech Marin shine as the comedic cornerstones of the film. The film’s use of humor is well-placed at first. I guess, though, someone forgot to tell the screenwriter not to use the same joke multiple times. The end result is tasteless and stale. The jokes aren’t the only thing suffering from an expiration date in the movie. No, that job goes to Uma Thurman who portrays a flat,two-dimensional stereotype. Thurman’s screen time might be the hardest thing to watch in this movie. That’s saying something considering DeNiro moons the audience. Still, The War with Grandpa is a much needed family outing this year has been waiting for.
RORSCHACH RATING:
MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT: Early on as audiences are still discovering who DeNiro’s character is, we come to find out that he has lost his wife in recent years. Making the transition from being on his own to living with his daughter and her family, you can still see that DeNiro is still grieving. The subject will get brought up from time to time throughout the rest of the movie. Though, there is one moment in particular when DeNiro tells his grandson that their prank war actually got him out of his depression. While I’m not telling anyone to start a prank war. Sometimes digging yourself out of either grief, depression or both is changing our vantage point. Getting out of the house and doing something productive, going for a walk or simply even having friends like DeNiro does - can do wonders for your mental health.
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by) and more. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. The War with Grandpa is property of 101 Studios & Brookdale Studios. We do not own nor claim any rights. This review was edited by Erica Burkey. The War with Grandpa is now playing in theaters!
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