‘Dirty Grandpa’ Review: Dirty, Excessive, and Just Bad

It’s still January you guys, so I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up for Dirty Grandpa. However, I was looking forward to seeing the Georgia-filmed movie. I had no idea what I was walking into.

Jason Kelly [Zac Efron] is one week away from marrying his boss’s uber-controlling daughter, putting him on the fast track for a partnership at the law firm. However, when the straight-laced Jason is tricked into driving his foul-mouthed grandfather, Dick [Robert De Niro], to Daytona for spring break, his pending nuptials are suddenly in jeopardy. Between riotous frat parties, bar fights, and an epic night of karaoke, Dick is on a quest to live his life to the fullest and bring Jason along for the ride. Ultimately, on the wildest journey of their lives, “dirty” Grandpa and his uptight grandson discover they can learn from one another and form the bond they never had. This outlandish comedy also stars Julianne Hough, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney and Adam Pally.

Okay, so where to start. The film seems fun enough from the description right? However, what the script actually provides is 1 hour and 42 minutes of dirty jokes, f-bombs (seriously wish I had counted them), excessive drug use, and unbelievable situations. If you can make it past the horrific use of Photoshop that the film’s opening credits provides, you should know it’s not going to get much better.

This is one of those movies where you ask yourself how any respectable actor would sign on. Robert De Niro, you’re so much better than this. I’m just confused. Why do this film? And Zac Efron, while I enjoyed seeing you without your shirt… and your pants on… I also don’t think you’re making the best career choices right now (Yes, I’m referring to last fall’s We Are Your Friends which bombed massively).

Dirty Grandpa Trailer

Overall, I was entertained somewhat. It wasn’t a good film (and the last third of the film was totally not necessary), but I did laugh. Granted I also cringed and rolled my eyes just as much, but I don’t count it as total waste of an evening. It’s a mindless, spring break type comedy that attempts to please everyone from the guys that tell dirty jokes to the sappy and artistic girls who can also appreciate Zac Efron’s good looks. However, this film is not a jack-of-all-trades, and in its attempt to be just that – it falls flat.

Dirty Grandpa Review

Grade: C-