The War with Grandpa

The War with Grandpa is a 2020 American comedy film directed by Tim Hill, based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Robert Kimmel Smith. The story revolves around 12-year-old Peter Douglas, played by Oakes Fegley, a boy who lives a relatively normal suburban life with his mother, Barbara. Peter's life takes a drastic turn when his estranged Grandpa, Edwin, moves in with the family after a falling out with his wife. At first, Peter is delighted to have his Grandpa living with him, but his excitement quickly turns to frustration when Edwin takes up residence in Peter's room. The reason behind Edwin's decision is rooted in financial difficulties and a desire to spend quality time with his family. However, the living arrangement turns out to be a disaster for Peter, who feels his personal space has been invaded. Feeling displaced and upset, Peter takes matters into his own hands and decides to take a stand. He declares war on his Grandpa, not physically, but rather in a series of clever and often hilarious pranks. Peter's aim is to teach Edwin a lesson and reclaim his room, which he sees as his sanctuary. As the war between Peter and Edwin escalates, the family's dynamics begin to shift. Peter's mother, Barbara, tries to intervene and facilitate a resolution, but her efforts are met with resistance from both parties. Edwin, who seems to have grown accustomed to living in Peter's room, shows no signs of leaving. On the other hand, Peter becomes more and more determined to reclaim his space and assert his independence. The war takes a toll on the family, with Peter's room becoming the epicenter of the conflict. The room is transformed into a command center, where Peter plots his attacks, often accompanied by his friend, Tony Perkal. Edwin, not to be outdone, responds with his own brand of cunning and resourcefulness. The room becomes a battleground, with each side using creative tactics to outwit the other. As the war continues, Peter's relationships with his family members begin to fray. His mother struggles to maintain the peace, while his Grandpa becomes increasingly entrenched in his new living arrangement. Peter's younger brother, Tony, becomes embroiled in the conflict, often siding with his big brother in the pranks and sabotage. The turning point in the war comes when Peter receives some disappointing news. His school counselor has recommended that he attend summer counseling due to his behavior, particularly his ongoing feud with his Grandpa. Feeling isolated and alone, Peter is forced to confront the reality of his actions and the impact they have on those around him. In a moment of introspection, Peter comes to a realization. He understands that his Grandpa is not a threat, but rather a loving family member who wants to spend quality time with him. He also recognizes that his behavior has been selfish and hurtful to those around him. As Peter's perspective shifts, he begins to see his Grandpa in a new light and starts to understand the motivations behind his actions. The film ends on a heartwarming note, as Peter and Edwin put aside their differences and find common ground. The war comes to an end, and the family begins to heal. Peter's room is restored to its original state, but this time, it's Edwin's room that has taken on a new significance. The story concludes with a newfound appreciation for family and the importance of forgiveness. The War with Grandpa is a film that celebrates the complexities of family relationships and the importance of finding common ground. With its lighthearted tone and engaging characters, the movie provides a relatable and entertaining exploration of the ups and downs of family life.