"The Intern" (movie critique)

THE INTERN
movie poster

To escape the Fall heat wave in North Central Texas, the Friday Movie Mavens and The Travelling Toe, seeking some artificially cold air, went to the local movie multiplex.  The movie we selected to see was "The Intern".

The Travelling Toe is sure that this movie has it detractors (oh the horror - someone in a movie at 70!!).  But it is a cute, charming and funny movie.  But be prepared, it does NOT have any nude scenes, bad language or bombs exploding every 5 minutes.  What it does have is some fine acting by Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway.  

Robert De Niro

Anne Hathaway

The title of the movie certainly echos the plot line. Ben Whitaker (Robert De Niro of course), at 70 and a widower,  is a retired executive and applies for a senior (as in age) intern position at an on-line fashion company. Jules Ostin started the company and in a short time it has exploded in growth.  But she is overworked, overextended and overly exhausted.  Ben is assigned to assist her.  At first, Jules resits any help but after Ben begins driving her to appointments, she starts warming up to him. Jules begins to confide in Ben and they form a friendship.  Along the way Ben develops a romantic relationship with the in-house massage therapist, Fiona, played by Rene Russo. Yes, Dear Readers, even senior citizens enjoy some romance once in a while.

Rene Russo

One of the funniest scenes of the movie is when Ben and his fellow geeks are asked to do Jules a big favor.  Jules accidentally sent her mother an email that would destroy their relationship.  So Ben and the geeks break into the mother's house to delete the email.  And of course, if anything can go wrong it does.  

One bit of disappointment in the story was that Ben finds out that Jules' husband is having an affair.  That plot line was not really necessary  and has used in so many movies.  The writers could have been more inventive than that!

Nancy Meyers
writer, producer, director

Being Golden Girls ourselves, we did find this movie to be entertaining, funny and totally enjoyable.


The Travelling Toe gives this movie 1 big toe up with an AARP card.


Disclaimer:  The Travelling Toe is not a professional critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.