The War with Grandpa (2020)
Release Date:
2020
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 34m

Synopsis:
In The War with Grandpa, young Peter is upset when his grandfather Ed moves into his room, forcing him to relocate to the attic. Determined to reclaim his space, Peter declares war on his grandpa, setting off a series of pranks and tricks. Ed, however, is not one to back down easily and responds with his own clever tactics. As the battle escalates, both sides enlist the help of friends and family, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic situations. The movie follows their escalating antics as they try to outwit each other, all while navigating the challenges of family dynamics.






The War with Grandpa, released in 2020, is a family comedy that blends humor with heartfelt moments, making it a movie for kids. The film's lighthearted tone and comedic antics are generally well-received by parents, though some express mixed feelings about the pranks and conflicts depicted. Overall, it offers a fun and engaging experience for younger audiences, with most parents appreciating its entertaining approach to family dynamics.
Why Kids Should Watch The War with Grandpa
The movie is praised for its humor and positive family themes.
- Promotes the importance of family relationships and resolving conflicts.
- Features a strong performance by Robert De Niro, adding depth to the grandfather character.
- Kids enjoy the playful pranks and comedic situations.
- Offers a lighthearted take on intergenerational relationships.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The War with Grandpa
Some parents are concerned about the portrayal of pranks and conflict resolution.
- May encourage mischievous behavior through its prank war theme.
- Some scenes depict conflict without immediate resolution, which might be confusing for younger viewers.
- The humor may rely on slapstick elements that not all parents find appropriate.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the prank-based conflict.
What Parents Should Know About The War with Grandpa
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie ultimately shows the importance of family and resolving differences. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The ongoing prank war might require parental guidance to explain the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the characters learn that their actions have consequences, leading to a resolution. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights the value of apologizing and understanding each other's perspectives. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family and finding common ground despite differences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The War with Grandpa is appreciated for its humor and positive family messages, though some parents are cautious about the prank-based conflict. The film's strengths lie in its comedic approach and the portrayal of family dynamics, which can be enhanced with parental guidance. For families seeking similar themes, movies like "Home Alone" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" might also be enjoyable options.
Official The War with Grandpa Trailer
The War with Grandpa, released in 2020, is a family comedy that blends humor with heartfelt moments, making it a movie for kids. The film's lighthearted tone and comedic antics are generally well-received by parents, though some express mixed feelings about the pranks and conflicts depicted. Overall, it offers a fun and engaging experience for younger audiences, with most parents appreciating its entertaining approach to family dynamics.
Why Kids Should Watch The War with Grandpa
The movie is praised for its humor and positive family themes.
- Promotes the importance of family relationships and resolving conflicts.
- Features a strong performance by Robert De Niro, adding depth to the grandfather character.
- Kids enjoy the playful pranks and comedic situations.
- Offers a lighthearted take on intergenerational relationships.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The War with Grandpa
Some parents are concerned about the portrayal of pranks and conflict resolution.
- May encourage mischievous behavior through its prank war theme.
- Some scenes depict conflict without immediate resolution, which might be confusing for younger viewers.
- The humor may rely on slapstick elements that not all parents find appropriate.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the prank-based conflict.
What Parents Should Know About The War with Grandpa
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie ultimately shows the importance of family and resolving differences. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The ongoing prank war might require parental guidance to explain the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the characters learn that their actions have consequences, leading to a resolution. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film highlights the value of apologizing and understanding each other's perspectives. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of family and finding common ground despite differences. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The War with Grandpa is appreciated for its humor and positive family messages, though some parents are cautious about the prank-based conflict. The film's strengths lie in its comedic approach and the portrayal of family dynamics, which can be enhanced with parental guidance. For families seeking similar themes, movies like "Home Alone" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" might also be enjoyable options.
Official The War with Grandpa Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The War with Grandpa
The War with Grandpa's most common core values include Conflict resolution, Family love, and Respect. Throughout the movie, kids learn about conflict resolution as Peter and his grandpa Ed engage in a playful battle, ultimately realizing that Understanding and compromise are more rewarding than winning. Family Love is a central theme, as the characters navigate their differences and come together, showing that family bonds can withstand even the silliest of disputes.
Respect is highlighted as both Peter and Ed learn to appreciate each other's perspectives, leading to a deeper mutual understanding. For example, as their antics unfold, they both start to see the importance of valuing each other's feelings and space, which helps them grow closer.
Other Core Values Explored: Generosity | Forgiveness | Apologizing | Empathy | Problem-solving | Teamwork | Humor | Resilience | Emotional growth | Making good choices | Boundaries | Listening | Patience
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The War with Grandpa
Importance of Family: The movie emphasizes the importance of family as Peter and his grandpa Ed navigate their differences. Through their playful rivalry, kids see how family bonds can be strengthened even in the face of conflict. The story shows that despite disagreements, family members can come together and support each other, highlighting the value of maintaining strong family connections.
Bridging Divides: Children learn about bridging divides as Peter and Ed work through their differences. The movie illustrates how understanding and communication can help resolve conflicts. By the end, both characters learn to appreciate each other's perspectives, teaching kids the importance of finding common ground and building bridges instead of walls.
Learning from Mistakes: The film teaches kids about learning from mistakes as Peter realizes the consequences of his actions. When his pranks go too far, he understands the impact they have on his family. This lesson encourages children to reflect on their actions, learn from their errors, and make better choices in the future.
Practicing Empathy: Practicing empathy is a key lesson as Peter and Ed begin to understand each other's feelings. The movie shows how stepping into someone else's shoes can lead to greater compassion and understanding. Kids see that by considering others' emotions, they can build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Choosing Forgiveness: Choosing forgiveness is highlighted when Peter and Ed decide to put their differences aside. The story demonstrates that forgiving others can lead to healing and reconciliation. Children learn that holding onto grudges can be harmful, while forgiveness can pave the way for renewed relationships and happiness.
Other Lessons Learned: Building Friendships | Valuing Deep Connection | Laughing Through Hard Times | Solving Problems Creatively | Treasuring Time with Loved Ones
Why Kids Love The War with Grandpa
The War with Grandpa is a hilarious ride where kids dive into a world of mischievous antics and laugh-out-loud pranks. The movie is filled with funny characters and slapstick comedy that keeps the giggles coming. As Peter and his grandpa Ed engage in their playful battle, kids are drawn into the chaos of pranks and awkward situations that unfold. The clever tricks and unexpected twists make every moment exciting, as both sides try to outsmart each other.
With teamwork and family bonds at the heart of the story, kids will enjoy seeing how friends and family join in the fun, creating a whirlwind of laughter and camaraderie. The movie's blend of humor and adventure, along with the unexpected friendships that form, keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next. It's a fun-filled experience that captures the joy of playful rivalry and the magic of family connections.