Years ago, I was discussing the great acting career of Robert DeNiro with adult friends, when my daughters chimed in and said, “Oh, we know him. He’s the dad in ‘Meet the Parents!’ Eekkk!
Now it gets worse. DeNiro plays Grandpa, moved in with his son-in-law, Arthur (Robert Riggle) and his daughter, Sally (Uma Thurman) and their three children. The daughters adore Grandpa, but their son, Peter (Oaks Fegley) is not so crazy about the situation. Why? Not only is this happening on the first day of Middle School – which is awkward enough – but Grandpa DeNiro is taking over his bedroom. Which means young Peter is moved to the attic.
As a result, Peter draws up a “Declaration of War” when one person steals another person’s room. DeNiro explains that war is serious. You don’t bring a war onto those that you love. He goes onto explain that real war – of which he fought – is not like a video game. Someone really gets hurt. War hurts. And there are wounds.
And there you have it. The great Robert DeNiro of Godfather and The Deer Hunter fame is an old fart. And speaking of The Deer Hunter, Christopher Walken (an equally old fart) is DeNiro’s best friend in the film. Together they play golf, moan and complain albeit make the movie about families tolerable.
Grandpa has a thing for Diane (Jane Seymour) at the grocery store. What we end up having is an adult reminisce of favorite actors all in a reunion but with a plot that’s intended for kids and about kids. Plus, a lot of childish pranks.
Yet, the beauty of these ‘Home Alone’ pranks gone on too long is that in a time of COVID families really are moving home. It’s a reminder why we must all get along with those we love and the lesson here is Grandpa might not so bad after all. 2 ½ tiaras