The Intern: Big Screen Favorite is the Boss in Workplace Comedy
It has been a while since I saw Anne Hathaway in anything, but when I saw the trailer for this, the latest effort from director and writer Nancy Meyers, I instantly knew seeing The Intern was a must. Its promotional material promised a kind of return to one of my favorite roles for Anne, only this time the situation reverses as she plays the boss. With a talented cast, a popular screenwriter and the bubblegum “feel-good” quality of good comedy, this one had the promise to be a terrific comedy.
The Intern (2015) Film Review
The story follows Jules (Hathaway), an eccentric businesswoman whose Internet company, About the Fit has tripled in a matter of 18 months. She now has 200+ employees and even that isn’t enough to keep up with the demands of the fashion-forward business. Her business partner implements a senior citizen intern program. The only trouble is that Jules being Jules has long since forgotten their conversation. Despite this, Cameron insists Jules set an example and pick an intern. Since she won’t, he assigns one to her.
Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) is a widower who worked in the business world for 40 years before retiring. He has now traveled the globe and learned how to cook. But now he’s ready to be useful… he needs something to do, which is why About the Fit’s intern program seems the perfect fit.
FILM REVIEW | ‘A FAMILY AFFAIR’ IS HAPPY AND HILARIOUS NETFLIX COMEDY
Grown-up comedies are rare. By that statement, I mean comedies that actually know how to be funny without turning into a crude R-rated mess. Nancy Meyers is known for comedies that look at life slightly differently, and while this one follows in the footsteps of her earlier work, it’s also a character piece of the highest caliber. To begin, I have to commend the cast. I thought everyone was really quite good. From the supporting cast (the culture shock quips were hilarious) to the headliners (which also includes Rene Russo), everyone drips with professionalism and charm. Robert De Niro gives a wonderfully good performance and I’m impressed with Anne Hathaway as well as the complexity of her character. This also wouldn’t be a complete review if I didn’t give a shout-out to JoJo Kushner, the young actress playing Jules’ daughter. The girl owns all of her scenes.
I think what most surprises me are the conclusions some of the story threads reach. There are plenty of poignant, heart-tugging moments to be sure, which is beautiful, but more than this, the stories went against the “easy,” normal route and that’s really uplifting. There’s a toughness to the story that isn’t always present in modern film. Meyers does a splendid job with the script too.
My personal favorite Nancy Meyers work is The Holiday, though if I’m being honest, The Intern does flirt with that top spot. If I have one minor complaint, the film spends a bit too much time in getting to the heart of the movie. This might not be the most highly anticipated film of the year or season, but in my opinion, The Intern is worth a seven-dollar movie ticket. The wise have something to teach the young and vice versa. The Intern tugs on your heartstrings and still manages to be flawlessly funny.
Photos: Warner Brothers Entertainment
Content notes: the film is PG13 for some profanity [one use of the F-word]; and sexual humor. News comes about about someone being unfaithful.
Eeeeek!! I saw this one yesterday with two of my sisters and we all LOVED it! Headed to TSP to read your review now. ;)
I'm so glad, Bekah. It's a fun flick to see in theaters, especially given the action/adventure heavy fare (not that I don't love it too). :)
Thanks for the great review. I have been thinking about seeing this movie, now I will. :)
Thank you for reading, Katie. I hope if/when you see this one you wind up enjoying it; Nancy Meyers has a great sense of humor or she must as her scripts are amazing! :)
I keep seeing mentions of this movie everywhere and I really think I must see it.
It's really good, Maria. But then I do enjoy Nancy Meyers films, which probably means I was poised to love it. :)
Nice review, Rissi! I love The Holiday too, so I guess I'll probably like this one! It looks like a winner. I really appreciate it when movies can be more adultish without creeping into R territory too! :)
Thanks for reading, Sarah. I hope you do enjoy this one. There is a different "tone" to the film (it's not as romantic, for obvious reasons), but it's really cute. And I didn't feel like this one was on the edge of an R-rating (and I agree; those are unpleasant). If you were okay with The Holiday, you should be this one too. :)
I will have to put this on my list of movies to watch! It looks like a fun one.;)
It's really cute, Amanda. I hope you enjoy…! :)
Saw this with my mom and sister last weekend, and we loved it!
I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Becky. It's a great feel-good movie in my opinion. Thanks so much for visiting. :)
Just saw this last night and loved it. I was tearing up in less then ten minutes into the movie. I have never seen The Holiday but now I really want too.
If you liked this one, I think you'd really enjoy The Holiday, Kaylee. Nancy has such a unique way of creating heart-tugging stories and moments! Let me know if/when you see it – and I'm super glad you liked The Intern. It's a really good feel-good flick. Glad you visited. :)