Nancy Meyer’s new film “The Intern” introduces Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a retired 70-year-old man to a widow who has done everything an unemployed man would do: travel, practice yoga and learn a new language. Through the interactions of the office, Ben and his partner Jules teach the audience how people can always find their calling, friends or things they look forward to every morning.
Even though the film seeks to teach viewers about dreams, the whole film is all about how to be successful.
On the other hand “The Intern” discusses and dives deeper into the true meaning of friendship. Throughout the movie, the audience sees dynamics of different relationships and how they intertwine. With this in mind, “The Intern” is about love, obstacles, dreams and what you do about them.
The film turns witty when Ben joins a staff full of young adults starting their careers at a fashion website. The young people appear obsessed with their work, but he only wants Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), to give him the time of day.
At first, Jules seems to only care about her job as a CEO at her fashion website, but things change when Ben comes into her life. Her relationship with Ben is strictly professional at first, but as he starts to learn things about her personal life, they become much closer.
The score contributes to the comedic atmosphere of the film. Meghan Trainor’s “All About that Bass” plays when Ben first enters the fashion website’s office, which exaggerates the comedy of the scene.
Although mostly comedic, the film also features dramatic and touching moments.
“The Intern” also features Adam Devine (“Pitch Perfect”) as Jason and Nat Wolff (“Paper Towns”) as Justin . Jason becomes instant friends with Ben after he becomes the personal intern for Jules. The relationship between Justin and Ben was awkward due to the large age gap, and his only role in the movie was to really interview Ben for the internship position. After Ben gets the job he turns into a brother figure to Jason and gives him advice.
All of the actors put on great performances. Anne Hathaway playing the part of Jules Ostin is a great fit, as is Robert De Niro as Ben Whittaker.
The movie addressed many life issues, making it more realistic and allowing it to resonate deeper with viewers. Although Ben started out looking for fulfillment through an internship, he found much more than he bargained for in his friendship with Jules. Their moments together in the office stand out because they came across as authentic and relatable.
“The Intern” is a comedy about real life experiences and how someone can learn from the past of others. Fans of past movies of Nancy Meyers, De Niro or Hathaway shouldn’t miss this film.
Grade: B+
“The Intern” (PG-13, 121 min) is now playing at the AMC Mazza Gallerie theater.
