Movie Review: The Intern..very much ‘with the times’

The times, they certainly are ‘a-changing’ given the setting of the movie The Intern, but the heartening thing is that instead of repressing, resisting or questioning these changes, it openly embraces them. A little too openly even and that is still a good thing.

While it boasts a great performance from veteran Robert De Niro and a decent performance from the gorgeous Anne Hathaway, the real reason to watch ‘The Intern’ is its intent and purpose – the message it wishes to convey. While there has been a lot of talk around the changing workplace, ageing demographics, gender equality and the start up buzz, few movies put it all into perspective ever so neatly as The Intern does – for that alone, it is worth your time.

The start of the movie is particularly impressive, as it sets the context so beautifully, that it raises expectations of what is to follow. That said, the movie does tend to slump every now and then but thankfully it gets right back up either with some madcap comedy or a major revelation, that keeps your attention going. You could still find several faults with the story progression – of over-simplifying things, of being just a feel-good movie or of not having very well etched out characters – and you would be right. Still, that is not where the essence of this movie lies

Its no Devil Wears Prada but it has its own charm and freshness. There’s a lot of subtle and understated social commentary – the kind that’ll bring a wry smile to your face every now and then, as you recognize the message. The movie doesn’t take many things to a defined closure, the kind you’ll expect in a movie like this and that’s precisely what brings a freshness to the proceedings. The ending is one that convinces you of what really the director is choosing to do and I thought that was just right.

Robert De Niro is in fine form and graces the screen with his presence each time. Anne Hathaway looks spectacular (special credits to the costume design for this one) but her performance is a little erratic. The two together though, really complement each other.

Kudos for Meyers to taking up such a topic and giving it such beautiful treatment. I have no reason not to recommend this one to you – if you are a teenager or a young adult whose reality is the kind shown in the movie, a career man/ woman who loves what they do for a living or even, no especially, if you are retired, confused about the new generation taking over and wondering what’s next – each of you will find something fresh and new to take away from The Intern.