Fantastic Fest Review: ‘Don’t Mess With Grandma’—Michael Jai White Shines in Wacky Canadian Action Comedy

September 26, 2024

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Home invasion films are everywhere these days, and 2024 has already seen notable releases like The Strangers: Chapter One and Abigail. However, an oversaturated market can spark creativity, pushing filmmakers to find fresh ways to differentiate their stories. Jason Krawczyk, known for He Never Died, does just that with Dont Mess With Grandma, a delightfully violent comedy that playfully subverts typical home invasion tropes.

The story follows mild-mannered Jasper (Michael Jai White), who juggles his job at Trusted Trays, a meal delivery service for seniors, while making nightly two-hour trips to care for his feisty grandmother, Granna (Jackie Richardson). One evening, as Jasper fixes her bathroom sink, Granna’s home is suddenly targeted by a group of bumbling thieves led by the nearly unrecognizable Billy Zane as Stan. Unbeknownst to these masked intruders, Jasper is a skilled marksman determined to protect his grandmother at all costs—going so far as to work overtime to keep her in the dark about the chaos unfolding around them.

Krawczyk, who also wrote the screenplay, cleverly subverts expectations by shifting away from the typical tension of a home invasion. Instead, he delivers a delightfully violent comedy, propelled by a wonderfully engaging performance from White. Known for his martial arts skills, White also showcases his comedic chops—an impressive dual talent familiar to fans of Black Dynamite. The film notably lacks suspense; at no point do the burglars gain the upper hand, which leads Krawczyk to focus more heavily on humor. As a result, the narrative often feels like a collection of amusing gags rather than a cohesive thriller.

While there is a hint of mystery surrounding the burglars’ motives for targeting Granna, it remains a minor detail. The film’s light-hearted approach keeps the plot from delving too deeply into this aspect, making it more of an entertaining diversion than a suspenseful exploration of its themes.

This means the film’s success hinges entirely on its comedic execution, and Don’t Mess With Grandma certainly delivers in that regard. The humor peaks during Jasper’s witty exchanges with Stan’s crew, who trade as many pleasantries as they do bullets. This gang of inept criminals rivals the Wet Bandits from Home Alone in terms of incompetence, and the film cleverly capitalizes on their misguided attempts to breach Granna’s home. A recurring gag featuring Jasper tossing them through doors and windows never loses its charm.

Despite the prominent presence of Billy Zane, Krawczyk manages to give each member of the crew their moment to shine, which inadvertently shifts the focus away from Zane. Nevertheless, Zane, often seen with rolls of toilet paper strapped to his injured backside, proves to be just as effective a comedic force as White. The ensemble’s antics contribute to the film’s overall appeal, creating a dynamic and entertaining viewing experience.

Ultimately, it’s White who carries the film, and Don’t Mess With Grandma serves as a reminder of his talent and the missed opportunities he’s faced in Hollywood. While Krawczyk’s screenplay occasionally stumbles—leading Jasper to talk to himself simply to clarify plot points—White’s charm shines through, allowing him to rise above the sometimes clunky dialogue. Equally captivating is Rufus, Granna’s initially aggressive dog, who gradually warms up to Jasper as the night unfolds, even assisting him in taking down the robbers. This evolving bond unexpectedly becomes the emotional core of the film, surpassing the relationship between Jasper and Granna.

Don’t Mess With Grandma is yet another impressive offering from Tubi, a streaming service that is carving out a niche for surprisingly good low-budget genre films. By blending heartfelt sincerity with hilariously awkward confrontations and ample violence, Krawczyk has crafted an entertaining crowd-pleaser that promises to deliver plenty of laughs.