Hathaway and De Niro Delight In “The Intern”

After watching the trailer for The Intern starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, I thought it was reminiscent of Hathaway’s hit film The Devil Wears Prada (2006), centering on a take charge boss and their affable assistant. In “The Intern,” there is a likeness to; Hathaway is Jules, the head of a fashion-related business and De Niro is Ben, her unlikely ‘senior’ intern. But that’s where the similarities end.

Early in the film, we see Hathaway as a savvy thirty-something, who launched an e-commerce company and is running the burgeoning business out of a revamped warehouse. Her professional and personal life are hectic and fast-paced, so much so, she uses a bike to travel throughout the workspace. She seems to have it all under control, despite the obvious chaos, until her new 70-year-old intern shows up on the scene, just in time for him to witness her life slowly unravel and bring her some of his seasoned wisdom.

Jules is determined, ambitious, and savvy as the boss of her own company. She is take charge, but not in a ‘Devil Wears Prada’ sort of way – she’s not lunging designer bags and couture coats toward assistants perched at desks outside her office. She’s a wife and mother, who doesn’t get to spend much time with her husband and daughter. Ben on the other hand has nothing but time as a retired widower. When their paths cross, it’s inevitable that they will compensate the other with what they are missing in their life. It’s a unique and enjoyable storyline to watch De Niro portray an often forgotten and under appreciated individual in our society – a senior citizen. He has perfect comedic timing and great chemistry, not only with Hathaway, but the other younger cast members, too. He’s the perfect lead for writer/director Nancy Meyer‘s (The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give) latest chick flick and Hathaway’s girl-next-door persona is relatable.

It’s definitely a film to put on your weekend watch list. I just might go see it again!