Review of The Intern (2010) by Sam G — 14 May 2016

Having wanted to see this movie last year but being unable to due to a busy schedule at the time. I'm currently disappointed as I wasn't able to make the time to see this movie sooner.

In this pleasant feel good movie Robert De Niro plays the role of Ben Whittaker a 70 year old retired widower. After having grown tired of the monotonous life of being retired, seemingly to lack any challenge or purpose. Ben applies for an internship as a senior citizen for an online fashion retailer. It is here that De Niro is assigned to aid the highly stressed and frenetic female entrepreneur Jane Ostin (Anne Hathaway). The chemistry between these two characters is amazing. De Niro astoundeds and leaves the audience yearning for more as his old school charm shines through in this character. Hathaway also charms and creates a compelling performance.

This movie deals with how older citizens are often overlooked in society despite their wealth of knowledge and experience. While also showing how women are often discriminated against when they value their career over a traditional role in the family. There's a really cool plot device that Nancy Meyers uses to show this, that I'll avoid spoiling. But I found it really awesome. But at the same time the movie try's to foster a sense of masculinity and gentry that De Niro's character (and I sense De Niro himself) feels has eroded and faded with the rise of the modern man.

Overall this movie is not without its flaws. There are points in the story that frustrate and annoy. While at points being a bit thin on substance. But the charm of Hathaway and De Niro and the chemistry between them creates great moments that will leave you in a good mood. At its heart that's what this movie is, a feel good production that will boost your mood for the next day or week. While doing it with charm, class and style at every turn of the way.