Dirty Grandpa: A Raunchy Road Trip You Might Cringe-Laugh Through
Ever wondered what happens when you pair classy Robert De Niro with youthful Zac Efron in a spring break movie? You get "Dirty Grandpa," a film true to its name. Released in 2016, this movie is a wild ride, not what you expect from a De Niro flick. Let’s dive in.
The Plot Thickens (and Gets Cruder)
The story of "Dirty Grandpa" is straightforward, perhaps predictable. Jason Kelly, played by Zac Efron, is a typical uptight lawyer, weeks from marrying his boss's daughter. His life is planned. Then Grandpa Dick, played by Robert De Niro, enters the scene.
Dick is recently widowed and tricks Jason into a spring break trip to Daytona Beach. What happens is anything but somber. Imagine frat parties, bar brawls, and karaoke nights to forget. While Jason stresses about his wedding, Grandpa Dick shows him life's crude pleasures. It’s a clash of generations and lifestyles.
Funny? Well... It's Certainly Something
Is "Dirty Grandpa" funny? This question divides audiences and critics. If you find crude humor funny, you might chuckle. Parental reviews show this is not family-friendly. It's humor that makes you laugh but question your life choices. The film earns its "dirty" title, pushing comedy's boundaries.
Under the lewd jokes and outrageous scenes are messages about love and honesty. But these are buried under layers of crude humor, needing an archaeological dig to find. Most laughter from "Dirty Grandpa" makes you cringe. It’s shock value comedy at its best.
Definitely Not for the Kiddos
Let’s be clear: "Dirty Grandpa" is not suitable for children. The MPAA rating of R exists for a good reason. This movie is raunchy and filled with adult themes beyond kid-friendly entertainment. If you want a family movie, steer away from this one. It's made to make you blush.
The R rating means anyone under 17 needs an adult to watch in theaters. Parents should understand what they are letting their teenagers watch. "Dirty Grandpa" pushes the envelope and more.
Sequel? Don't Hold Your Breath
Will there be a "Dirty Grandpa 2"? As of late 2023, no. There are no announcements for a sequel. Honestly, given the first film’s reception, it’s likely for the best. While it made money, critically, it didn’t win awards.
The lack of sequel talk comes from overwhelmingly poor reviews. "Dirty Grandpa" holds a dismal 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics were not kind. Adding to this is Robert De Niro’s reluctance to promote the film. Sometimes financial success isn't enough to warrant another round.
Grandpa vs. Grandpa: The War of Words
Let's clear up confusion: "The War with Grandpa," another Robert De Niro film, is not related to "Dirty Grandpa." Despite similar titles and De Niro’s role, they are not linked. "The War with Grandpa" is a family comedy released in 2020, far from the raunchy antics of "Dirty Grandpa."
When "The War with Grandpa" came out, it was noted that it was not a sequel to "Dirty Grandpa." Filmmakers wanted to distance themselves from its predecessor’s unique reputation. If you want more grandpa-themed De Niro movies, just remember to keep them distinct.
Filmed in the Peach State (Mostly)
While "Dirty Grandpa" is set in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, most filming happened in Georgia. Atlanta served as the main location for the movie. For the spring break scenes, the production moved to Tybee Island, Georgia, which stood in for Daytona Beach.
Interestingly, some scenes were shot at the prestigious Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta. It shows the varied locations needed to bring "Dirty Grandpa" to life, even if it’s a world most would only want to visit through a screen.
A Financial Surprise, Despite the Critics
Despite being panned by critics, "Dirty Grandpa" was financially successful. With a modest production budget of $11.5 million, the film grossed $105.1 million worldwide. It earned $35.6 million in the U.S. and Canada and $69.5 million elsewhere. This shows that even bad reviews can't stop a movie from earning money.
It raises the question: does financial success equal artistic merit? In this case, box office numbers suggest it connected with some viewers, even if critics recoiled. It's proof that "bad" movies can still succeed financially.
The Infamous Trifecta
In one of the movie's memorable scenes, we learn about "the trifecta." During a diner stop, Jason and Grandpa Dick meet Shadia, played by Zoey Deutch, Jason’s old classmate from Georgia. Shadia is with her friends, including Lenore, played by Aubrey Plaza. Lenore bluntly reveals her goal to complete her "trifecta" – sleeping with a freshman, an alumnus, and a professor.
This plot point captures the movie's commitment to pushing limits and embracing raunchy spring break culture. It also exemplifies the film's peculiar humor.
Meet the Cast: The Faces Behind the Mayhem
Let’s appreciate (or acknowledge) the cast who brought "Dirty Grandpa" to life:
- Robert De Niro as Dick Kelly, the "Dirty Grandpa." De Niro fully commits to his role, embracing the humor and antics with gusto. Some critics called it the worst movie they had seen, yet it was successful financially.
- Zac Efron as Jason Kelly, the uptight lawyer. Efron plays the straight man to De Niro's wild character, providing contrast to the escalating craziness.
- Zoey Deutch as Shadia. Shadia is caught in Grandpa Dick’s spring break schemes. Deutch adds charm to her role amidst chaos.
- Aubrey Plaza as Lenore. Lenore is Shadia's friend with "trifecta" ambitions. Plaza is known for her deadpan delivery and quirky style.
- roles, is perfectly cast as the forward Lenore.
- Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Bradley. Bradley is one of Shadia's friends, rounding out the spring break crew.
- Adam Pally as Cousin Nick. Cousin Nick adds comedic flavor to the mix.
This cast, led by De Niro and Efron, powers the chaotic energy of "Dirty Grandpa."
Robert De Niro: Beyond the "Dirty" Persona
Robert De Niro symbolizes acting royalty. His career is filled with iconic roles. However, even legends have... less legendary moments like "Dirty Grandpa." Let’s explore some tidbits about De Niro beyond his role as the raunchy grandpa.
Did De Niro Really Lift Efron? The Mystery of the Lift
A burning question for some viewers: did Robert De Niro lift Zac Efron in "Dirty Grandpa"? The internet buzzes with this question. While we lack definitive footage, it looked as though De Niro gave Efron a hoist. The mystery remains, whether it was movie magic or De Niro strength.
Teeth Tales: From Cape Fear to Dental Repair
A fascinating fact lies in De Niro's dedication to his craft. For "Cape Fear" (1991), he paid a dentist $5,000 to ruin his teeth. Yes, that’s true. He wanted villainous teeth. After filming, he paid $20,000 to fix his teeth. Talk about method acting and dental bills!
Italian Roots and a Global Heritage
Is Robert De Niro Italian? The answer is nuanced. He has Italian ancestry but is not exclusively Italian. His grandfather was Italian, and his great-grandparents came from Molise, Italy. De Niro claims he is one-quarter Italian. He is proud of this heritage, even learning Sicilian for "The Godfather Part II."
However, his ancestry is diverse. De Niro's mother had Dutch, English, French, and German roots. His father was half-Irish. So, while his Italian side is highlighted and celebrated, his heritage encompasses many European backgrounds.
Pacino and De Niro: A Friendship for the Ages
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro are acting titans. They are often mentioned together. But did you know they've been friends since the late 1960s? They met as aspiring actors starting their careers. Their friendship has endured decades, proving lasting bonds exist in Hollywood. Their camaraderie showcases genuine connections amidst shifting relationships.
Zac Efron: More Than Just a Teen Idol
Zac Efron rose to fame as a teen heartthrob in "High School Musical." He has carved out a diverse career. From musicals to comedies to dramas, he shows range and willingness to take on roles, even one beside a "Dirty Grandpa." Let’s explore aspects of Efron's life and career.
The Jawline Evolution: Accident and Transformation
Zac Efron's jawline has sparked discussion and speculation. A 2013 accident broke his jaw. He had surgery for the fractures, with his mouth wired shut. Over time, his jawline muscles grew, altering his appearance.
In 2021, he paused treatment for the old injury. This change led to rumors of plastic surgery. Efron has been open about the accident and its effects on his appearance, explaining the jawline change.
Kids in the Future? Maybe One Day
Does Zac Efron have children? Currently, no. Zac Efron has no kids. However, fatherhood is on his radar for the future. He mentioned he is not ready for children now but envisions it later. In 2024, he told E! News he believes he'd like kids someday. So, no mini-Efrons yet, but it's a possibility for the future.
Singing in "High School Musical": The Voice Behind Troy Bolton
Did Zac Efron sing in the first "High School Musical"? This answer may surprise fans: no, Efron did not sing in the first film. He lip-synced as Troy Bolton, but Drew Seeley provided his character's voice.
Drew Seeley sang most songs in "High School Musical." The reason? Efron's voice was not ready for the final cut at the time. Seeley’s vocals became synonymous with Troy Bolton, adding complexity to the beloved musical.
Aubrey Plaza: Deadpan Diva with Depth
Aubrey Plaza is known for her deadpan delivery and unique timing. She consistently brings a distinctive flavor to her roles. From quirky comedies to drama, she is unapologetically herself. Yes, she was the "trifecta"-seeking Lenore in "Dirty Grandpa."
Roles Beyond Parks and Recreation: A Diverse Portfolio
Many know Aubrey Plaza for her breakout role in "Parks and Recreation." However, her career expands much broader. Her acclaimed television projects span different genres. She starred in "Legion," "The White Lotus," "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off," and will be seen in "Agatha All Along." Her filmography showcases her versatility and willingness to explore different roles.
Stroke at 20: A Personal Health Journey
Here's a surprising aspect of Aubrey Plaza's life: she had a stroke at 20. This is lesser-known but significant. The stroke caused aphasia, impairing communication.
Reportedly, the stroke occurred due to her birth control pills. This experience adds depth to Plaza’s story, highlighting her resilience beyond her on-screen persona.
Other Film & Entertainment Tidbits
Let’s explore some other interesting snippets from film and entertainment.
Dental Transformations in Hollywood: Smiles of the Stars
Hollywood smiles are as crafted as characters actors portray. Dental work enhances appearances. Consider these examples:
- Keanu Reeves and Veneers: Speculation exists about Keanu Reeves having porcelain veneers. His teeth have yellowed naturally over time, something high-quality veneers resist.
- Brad Pitt's Smile Improvement: Brad Pitt underwent dental crown procedures to enhance his smile. This subtle improvement contributes to his polished look.
- Johnny Depp's 2020s Teeth Makeover: Recently, Johnny Depp opted for a dental makeover with veneers and crowns. This transformation aimed to restore a youthful smile reminiscent of earlier years.
Grand-Pa Headache Powders: A Different Kind of "Powder"
Now let's talk about Grand-Pa Headache Powders. These remedies offer pain relief but entail specific details:
- Ingredients: Grand-Pa 25 Headache Powders have active ingredients: aspirin (453.6 mg), paracetamol (324.0 mg), and caffeine (64.8 mg). These alleviate mild to moderate pain from headaches, teeth, colds, and flu.
- Side Effects: As with any medication, Grand-Pa powders have side effects. These can include nausea, headache (ironically), sleep disturbances, and more. It’s wise to consult a doctor if experiencing unusual symptoms.
- Fake Powders Alert: Caution is advised! Fake Grand-Pa powders are circulating in local regions. Counterfeit products show discrepancies in label writing. Buy from trusted sources to ensure authenticity.
Understanding the R Rating: Not a Ban, But a Guide
Finally, let's revisit the R rating as it pertains to "Dirty Grandpa." The R rating is not a ban for children under 17. It indicates a "Restricted" rating, meaning those under 17 can watch with an adult.
This rating comes with a recommendation that parents learn about the film's content before allowing their child to watch it. It's an advisory for informed decisions rather than prohibition. So, while "Dirty Grandpa" is R-rated and not kid-friendly, the system empowers parents with information and choice.
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