The Intern

Light-hearted, or in some cases, rom-coms, are amazingly predictable in their premise and outcome. They usually feel warm and fuzzy, but if you're in the mood for something with a bit more substance, these types of films lack in keeping one's attention. While other films of this sort I usually squirm waiting for something original to happen, I have to say Nancy Meyers' "The Intern" actually surprised me all the while entertaining me at the same time.

Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) is a 70-year-old widower who has discovered that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). He goes through the interview process whereas one young employee asks him where he thought he would be in 10 years, and quipped back with, "When I'm 80?". He ends up working with Jules much to her reluctancy, but as he's 'there' for her through thick and thin, does she realize that this guy is not only competent, but is the genuine deal. He really cares for her business and for her as a person, unlike most people out there who are usually there to help if there's something in it for them. She realizes that Ben is one of a kind, especially when she starts having personal problems that snowball out of her control. Her co-workers, Cameron (Andrew Rannells), Jason (Adam DeVine), Lewis (Jason Orley), even secretary Becky (Christina Scherer) cannot seem to help her as much as Ben can and does.

Others to round out the cast are Rene Russo as Fiona, the company massage therapist, Anders Holm as Matt, Jules husband, Zack Pearlman as Davis, another intern, JoJo Kushner as Paige, Jules and Matt's daughter, Nat Wolff as Justin, Linda Lavin as Patty, Celia Weston as Doris, Steve Vinovich as Miles and C.J. Wilson as Mike.

This was directed with precision and great staging and pacing by Nancy Meyers ("The Parent Trap" '98, "What Women Want" 2000, "Something's Gotta Give" '03, "The Holiday" '06, "It's Complicated" '09). She's great at letting her actors, especially seasoned ones do what they do best, and I can certainly believe that this tactic will only benefit the production. She also wrote this and this is where she really shines. If you don't believe me look at her resume: ("Private Benjamin" '80, "Baby Boom" '87, "Father of the Bride" '91, "Father of the Bride Part II" '95), plus the aforementioned films. Whereas her other films were written well, the premises were usually run of the mill--not as interesting as they could be. So as I'm driving to the multiplex, I'm arriving with a certain amount of trepidation, thinking this premise was going to match its predecessors. Wow! Was I blown away! Not only was this written well as with her other films, the premise wasn't her usual in that it was about an individual being there for someone else--no strings attached, just to help. What a concept--people actually wanting to help people with no alternative motive. There are not too many films out there today with a character makeup like Ben, and this justifies a viewing.

This is one film that really gives one that shot in the arm, because there are so many people out there in life and in the movies that are have questionable characters, that when we are introduced to one such character that is as genuine as the day is long, we just want to know someone in our lives that will match. So watching this gives one the possibility of meeting and knowing someone like Ben just like Jules did. Enjoy!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: PG-13                                  121mins.