Comedy. With Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman and Rob Riggle. Director: Tim Hill. 7-9PG LV.
When Sally (Thurman) visits her dad, Ed (De Niro), after he’s involved in an incident at a supermarket, she suggests he shouldn’t live on his own any longer and should move in with her, her husband, Arthur (Riggle), and their three kids. Peter (Oakes Fegley from Pete’s Dragon) is the grandchild who must move to the attic so Ed can have an easily accessible bedroom.
While he loves his granddad, Peter feels hard done by and decides his only course of action is to declare war over his room.
Many of the gags are tried and tested but this feel-good film gets enough things right to ensure the entire family will find it enjoyable.
And one of the things it manages to do successfully is not to resort to innuendo to pique adult interest.
De Niro knows how not to take himself seriously as he’s proved in many comedic outings, most notably in Analyze This (1999) and Meet the Parents (2000).
Here he does it again – and it’s hilarious seeing him and his motley crew (screen veterans Christopher Walken, Cheech Marin and Jane Seymour) take on Peter and his own band of misfits in this wholesome family flick.
If you’re thinking of taking the kids to the cinema, this movie is sure to provide loads of laughs and full-on fun.
– LYNN ELY
