The War with Grandpa
Peter is thrilled that his Grandpa is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa moves into Peter's room, forcing him upstairs into the creepy attic. And though he loves his Grandpa, he wants his room back - so he has no choice but to declare war.
Despite a moderate budget of $18.0M, The War with Grandpa became a box office success, earning $43.4M worldwide—a 141% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The War with Grandpa (2020) exemplifies meticulously timed plot construction, characteristic of Tim Hill's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Peter Decker enjoys his perfect bedroom and life with his family. He's happy in his space, surrounded by his things and his comfort zone.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when After Grandpa Ed has an accident or incident living alone, the family decides he must move in with them. Peter learns he will have to give up his bedroom and move to the attic.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Peter writes a formal declaration of war to Grandpa Ed, committing to a series of pranks to reclaim his room. Ed accepts the challenge. The war officially begins - Peter makes an active choice to fight back., moving from reaction to action.
At 48 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat A major prank succeeds spectacularly (false victory) - perhaps Peter pulls off his biggest scheme yet, or the war reaches a new level of intensity. Stakes are raised as both realize this conflict is getting serious. The fun escalates., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 68 minutes (70% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A prank goes too far and causes real harm - possibly someone gets hurt, a precious item is destroyed, or a public humiliation occurs. The family is fractured. Peter and Ed realize they've damaged their relationship and hurt people they love. Whiff of death: the death of family harmony., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 75 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 76% of the runtime. Peter and Ed have a heartfelt conversation where they realize the war was never about the room - it was about feeling respected and valued. They understand each other's perspective. They decide to work together to heal the family and find a real solution., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The War with Grandpa's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The War with Grandpa against these established plot points, we can identify how Tim Hill utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The War with Grandpa within the comedy genre.
Tim Hill's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Tim Hill films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The War with Grandpa takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tim Hill filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Tim Hill analyses, see Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run and Muppets from Space.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Peter Decker enjoys his perfect bedroom and life with his family. He's happy in his space, surrounded by his things and his comfort zone.
Theme
Someone mentions that "family takes care of each other" or discusses the importance of respecting elders while also standing up for yourself - the central thematic tension between family obligation and personal boundaries.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the Decker family dynamics, Peter's school life, his friendships, and his relationship with his room. We see Grandpa Ed living alone, struggling after losing his wife, establishing his pride and independence.
Disruption
After Grandpa Ed has an accident or incident living alone, the family decides he must move in with them. Peter learns he will have to give up his bedroom and move to the attic.
Resistance
Peter resists the change, complains to his parents, tries to negotiate alternatives. Ed moves in and settles into Peter's room. Peter explores the dusty, spider-filled attic and feels displaced and disrespected.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Peter writes a formal declaration of war to Grandpa Ed, committing to a series of pranks to reclaim his room. Ed accepts the challenge. The war officially begins - Peter makes an active choice to fight back.
Mirror World
Peter recruits his friends (the "B story" crew) to help him plan pranks. Ed reconnects with his elderly friends who become his advisors. These friendships mirror the theme of loyalty, strategy, and fighting for what matters.
Premise
The promise of the premise: escalating pranks between grandfather and grandson. Peter and his friends execute elaborate schemes; Ed retaliates with his own clever tricks. Both sides score victories and defeats in humorous warfare.
Midpoint
A major prank succeeds spectacularly (false victory) - perhaps Peter pulls off his biggest scheme yet, or the war reaches a new level of intensity. Stakes are raised as both realize this conflict is getting serious. The fun escalates.
Opposition
The pranks intensify and become more dangerous. Parents start noticing the conflict. Collateral damage affects the family. Peter's relationship with his parents strains. Ed faces judgment from his daughter. The war stops being fun.
Collapse
A prank goes too far and causes real harm - possibly someone gets hurt, a precious item is destroyed, or a public humiliation occurs. The family is fractured. Peter and Ed realize they've damaged their relationship and hurt people they love. Whiff of death: the death of family harmony.
Crisis
Peter and Ed separately reflect on what they've done. They face potential consequences from parents. Both feel guilt and regret. Peter misses his grandfather; Ed misses his grandson. They must find a way to make things right.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Peter and Ed have a heartfelt conversation where they realize the war was never about the room - it was about feeling respected and valued. They understand each other's perspective. They decide to work together to heal the family and find a real solution.
Synthesis
Peter and Ed team up to make amends with the family. They demonstrate their renewed bond through a collaborative effort. They find a creative solution that honors both their needs. The family comes together for a celebration or meaningful moment that shows healing.
Transformation
Final image mirrors the opening: Peter in his space, but now it's transformed - either he's made peace with the attic, they've created a shared space solution, or the room situation has been resolved. More importantly, Peter and Ed have a close, respectful relationship. Family is whole.