When he's not busy playing a gangster, talk show host or the flamboyant captain of a sky vessel, legendary actor Robert De Niro can be found starring in a family comedy where the actor gets to temporarily shed his tough-guy exterior. Today we'll be taking a look at one of De Niro's goofier films, when he stars as Ed for director Tim Hill's (MUPPETS FROM SPACE, HOP) THE WAR WITH GRANDPA.
Here's the official synopsis:
Sixth-grader Peter (Oakes Fegley) is pretty much your average kid—he likes gaming, hanging with his friends, and his beloved pair of Air Jordans. But when his recently widowed grandfather Ed (Robert De Niro) moves in with Peter’s family, the boy is forced to give up his most prized possession of all, his bedroom. Unwilling to let such an injustice stand, Peter devises a series of increasingly elaborate pranks to drive out the interloper, but Grandpa Ed won’t go without a fight. Soon, the friendly combatants are engaged in an all-out war with side-splitting consequences.
Based on the award-winning book by Robert Kimmel Smith, The War with Grandpa features an all-star supporting cast: Christopher Walken, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Cheech Marin, Laura Marano, and Jane Seymour.
“The War With Grandpa is a labor of love because the book was read and pitched to me by my then eight-year-old son, Tre. This film is a true family affair,” said Rosa Peart, Producer and Co-Founder of Marro Media Company. “We wanted to make a film where everyone of all ages can watch and enjoy. We are very excited, to introduce the next generation of kids to a once in a generation actor…Mr. De Niro.”
"Brookdale is thrilled that our inaugural release is The War with Grandpa,” said Marvin Peart, CEO of Brookdale Studios. “With laughs from start to finish and a remarkable cast led by Robert De Niro, this film is the ultimate family film that we can’t wait for audiences everywhere to see.”
“As theaters are coming back online, we are very excited to release a film that the whole family can attend,” said David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios. “In fact, what drew us in most to the project is the universal family themes. The film chronicles the always tumultuous, but loving family dynamics—themes that will resonate with everyone.”
It would be pretty easy to dunk on this trailer, but do you know what? I'm not gonna. After all, there's nothing wrong with creating something that the whole family can enjoy. Besides, who in their right mind would pass on an opportunity to hang with Uma Thurman, Christopher Walken, Jane Seymour, and Cheech Marin? Hell, I'd accept the role of Kids Party Goer Number Five if it meant I'd be in their company for the afternoon.
Originally, THE WAR WITH GRANDPA was scheduled to open in theaters on September 18, though 101 Studios has recently moved the film to October 9. This was likely a smart move, seeing as the comedy would have been going against Matthew Vaughn's THE KING'S MAN if had stayed in its original slot.
In addition to the trailer, a poster was also unveiled for the film which you can see for yourself below.
Will you be braving the theater with your family in October to see THE WAR WITH GRANDPA? Let us know in the comments section.