The Intern
Ben is a 70 year old widower, who bored with retirement, signs up to be a senior intern for a start up internet clothing company run by
Cast/Characters
Robert DeNiro plays Ben, who delivers a knockout performance in one of his better comedy role. I would go as far to say this is in his top tier performances of all time too.
Anne Hathaway plays Jules, who is the CEO of her own business. Her investors want her to bring in a more experienced CEO as the business is growing too fast and needs help.
I didn’t quite ‘get’ the hard to work for vibe from her, as she seemed to likeable a character – and this should have been approached better.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
I liked the dynamic between Ben and Jules, as it seems to venture into a father/daughter type relationship as he nurtures both her talent as an executive, but also a wife and mother.
Ben’s return to work, and his excitement in the beginning is quite cute, and it was fun to see DeNiro in such a vulnerable role.
The build up of their relationship is done well, as an overworked Jules slowly grows to appreciate having Ben around. There is a small moment mid film in which she asks to have him off her team, and quickly changes her mind. This was only seen from her POV, and should have had a scene where it was from Ben’s POV too, as it was less effective the way it was seen.
The relationship between Ben and Rene Russo’s Fiona is an almost secondary addition, and as I will comment in a moment – feels like an addition that was given little after thought. That being said, I enjoyed the moments they had together and found it to be a sweet addition.
There are several other plot developments that are ‘introduced’ that are never rectified that frustrated me, as the film was just on 120m, and considering the padded run time – should have been concluded. Jason and Becky’s ‘will they wont they’, Jules’ fractured relationship with her mother – and the investors wanting the CEO are never concluded and this bothered me greatly.
Another big issue I have with the film is the way they handled the character of Matt, Jules’ husband. He gives up his career to be a Stay at home dad to their daughter, but because he’s ‘lost his identity’ he *** spoiler *** cheats, and then all of a sudden things are fine because she wants to keep her company??? Did he deserve a second chance? Does this put a bad name to stay at home dads?
Overall
Sweet direction from comedy queen Nancy Meyers, without any will they/wont they dynamic.
I loved the influence that Ben has on those around him with his world wise approach to life, and how he helps transform his colleagues in their own approach to life – whether it be in relationships, or how they present themselves, in uniforms/ties/suitcases etc.
Despite a few screenplay problems I mentioned earlier, this is a recommend.
3.5/5