The War with Grandpa

The 2020 American family comedy film directed by Tim Hill centers on recently widowed Ed Marino (Robert De Niro), who moves in with his daughter Sally (Uma Thurman) and her family. Assigned to his grandson Peter's (Oakes Fegley) room, Ed's presence causes Peter to declare "war" to reclaim his space. They engage in a series of pranks, with Ed agreeing under the conditions that no property is damaged and the family remains unaware. Peter's pranks include replacing shaving cream with foam and damaging Ed's record player, while Ed retaliates by removing screws from Peter's furniture and rewriting his school report. Ed seeks advice from friends Danny (Cheech Marin) and Jerry (Christopher Walken) and bonds with granddaughters Mia (Laura Marano) and Jenny (Poppy Gagnon). Sally becomes concerned about Mia's relationship with Russell (Colin Ford). Ed organizes a dodgeball game between his team and Peter's friends, ending in a tie after Danny's injury. Later, Ed and Peter spend time fishing and visiting Ed's old house. At a Christmas party, a prank involving a catapult misfires, causing chaos and revealing their "war" to the family. Peter and Mia are punished, and Ed leaves the house. Peter apologizes, and they reconcile. The film explores themes of family dynamics, generational conflict, and reconciliation, blending humor with heartfelt moments.