The new Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway flick The Intern takes a fresh approach to comedy. It’s a film that is not only for young adults but senior citizens too, as most of the jokes are puns that the older class can relate to.
When I first saw the film’s runtime, I thought two hours was far too long for a comedy. However, the extra minutes allowed for excellent character development and I was able to connect with each and every character in the plot. The movie kept my eyes glued to the screen because each scene was full of surprises that unraveled throughout the story.
The movie opens with a retired Ben (De Niro) searching for a purpose now that his wife has passed away. He wants to fill a hole in his life and sees a flier for senior interns at an online clothing company called “About the Fit.” He gets the job but doesn’t immediately click with the rest of the young, technologically-inclined employees and still carries around a briefcase with a calculator and flip phone.
“I feel like everyone’s uncle around here,” Ben says at one point during the film, and accurately so; he is a kind-hearted, respectful, old-fashioned guy who often doles out words of wisdom. Jules (Hathaway), the company’s CEO and founder, is the opposite: she at first is a rude, bitter, fast-paced woman trying to juggle her personal life and a career, but ultimately finds inner peace through her interactions with Ben.
Originally, Jules isn’t interested in working with someone Ben’s age, but as the film progresses, they eventually form a bond with mutual respect. The other employees also start to really like Ben and his old-fashioned style and values; he becomes the guy everyone wants to be friends with and the guy who you can trust for a helping hand.
De Niro and Hathaway are a great pair. They balanced each other out, respectively representing an older generation founded on tradition and communication skills, and a younger generation of working class women and technology. Their chemistry was funny and adorable and made the audience laugh here and there. One of my favorite scenes occurred when Jules admits to Ben that she is scared to be buried alone, and he responds by saying that she shouldn’t worry because she can be laid to rest next to him and his wife.
De Niro was especially impressive in this film and keeps proving that he can still be relevant in this day and age. He created a likable and sensitive character while also portraying a relatable sense of humor.
Hathaway, similarly, is one of the best actresses of her generation. She always has great chemistry with her co-stars and can easily switch from comical scenes to tear-jerking moments. Out of all the actresses today, she constantly puts herself out there and shines in her roles.
The supporting players were just as brilliant and talented as the two main stars. Adam Devine, who plays Jason, reprises his typical role as the quirky, comic-relief character that pops up at just the right time. To me, he is one of today’s best comics and is relatable to the younger demographic.
Just as good was Devine’s buddy from Workaholics, Anders Holm, who plays Jules’ husband. He may not have had a lot of funny lines, but he proved to the audience that he is more than just the funny guy and that he is capable of tackling serious content as well. His role as a struggling stay-at-home dad was key in the film and Holm was a great choice for the part.
The movie features a simple story line that is perfect for a night out with your friends and family. It’s relatable for senior citizens and young adults and might give you an appreciation for your elders because they can teach you a lot about life. I guarantee you’ll love The Intern just as much as the audience who laughed with me in the theater that I was in.
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