Film Review | The Intern

Ben (Robert De Niro) was enjoying retirement, that is, until he realised that being retired meant having to fill his days with endless leisurely activities that lead to nowhere. When he se successfully applies for an internship as part of a company’s community outreach program, Ben meets Jules (Anne Harthaway), and overworked entrepreneur trying to find the balance with work, family and life in general.

The Story

Nancy Meyers has brought us many heart-felt films in the past. Films like, The Holiday, The Parent Trap, Something’s Gotta Give and It’s Compicated – simple stories with meaningful, heartfelt happy endings. The Intern is no different. In a world where online shopping has become the norm, we see Robert De Niro as down to earth and very observant Ben. Being a seventy-year-old senior intern at one of the fastest growing online clothing store, About The Fit, Ben not only has find his way through the technological advancement of our time, but also impart the lessons he’s learned over his lifetime.

Imagine Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. Imagine she went ahead with the fashion industry and banded together with the troops from The Internship – that is what this movie is like. Although there’s no real connection with fashion world, there are some similarities with the quips that Vince Vaughn and Jared Stern had in their film. In saying that, the family dynamics that this film plays with does separate it from the office banter that is also built in this film. We see Hathaway struggle with the perks of “breaking the glass ceiling”, while keeping face in front of the stay-at-home-mums at her daughter’s school. We see her try to balance work-life and home-life as success leads to sacrifice after sacrifice.

Amongst all this, Meyer’s develops a great connection between experience and learning. We see Ben and Jules learn and teach one another, as well as depend on each other during tough times. Overall, I enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the dynamics it created between the characters.

The Cast

Robert De Niro is a sweet Ben. He brings a light-heartedness to the screen that makes you want to reach out and hug him. He is a friend, confidant, uncle and grandfather-like figure that everyone can relate with and aspire to. There is simplicity to his portrayal of a searching retired senior citizen that made him endearing. Just brilliant.

Anne Hathaway has a delicate balance of elegance and craze. Portraying a forgetful and overbearing micro-manager, Hathaway was able to add a dash of politeness to her passive-aggressive character. She balances De Niro’s simplicity very well and make audiences believe that though sh’s stressed, she means well – no matter who she’s dealing with.


Overall… the film was enjoyable and one that everyone can enjoy. It’s not just for the ladies, I do believe De Niro will have some of you men out there crying and writing down notes.


Star Rating: ★★★
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