It is nice to see a comedy come along that don't insult or condescend to its audience or demean its characters. The Intern is not broad or farsical entertainment, just a very sweet look at a bunch of people with their own set of problems trying to make it in the world.
The Intern starts with Ben (Robert DeNiro), a genuinely nice widower and retiree at a bit of a crossroads in his life. He has learned what many retirees learn, the boredom of retirement. He has already traveled the world, picked up hobbies and spends a lot of time with his children and grandchildren, but still cannot find enough to fill the time or hole in his life that was left without his wife and job. One day, he finds an Internet company that is advertising for an internship program for senior citizens. He obviously gets ithe job and quickly ingratiates himself on everybody with his laid-back and very friendly attitude. He ends up working for the company's founder, Jules (Anne Hathaway), a very driven young woman trying to keep the company vibrant and profitable. She has a reputation of being hard to work for as she is very peculiar how things have be. While they initially don't mesh very well, Ben begins to break down the walls she has and they eventually become a great team.
This movie is a joy to watch because it is fun, but never really insults any of its characters. Yes, personal quirks are sometimes the butt of some jokes, but those jokes are more sweet than mean. Instead of being a sardonic satire like The Office or Office Space, The Intern is more of a lighthearted look at making your way in the world in today's new business environment. No character is cruel or mean. Even though Jules is very hard to work for, she is not the Glenn Close she-devil in The Devil Wears Prada (another Hathaway film), but merely a driven, detail-obsessed woman used to getting her way because her way generally works. She deeply loves her company and vice-versa, but it has grown too fast and she is overwhelmed. Ben, meanwhile, could come across as the sage old guy, like Yoda in a tie, but it doesn't do that either. He is instantly likable because he is a hard-working, genuinely good guy who sets an example that everyone sees and is drawn to. It is after they know him that he touches everyone with advice that comes from experience.
But the winning element for me is that the movie never condescends to anyone. The people are real people with real problems. There are no broad caricatures or mean depictions. There is no one talked down to. This movie could easily degenerate into simple, easily digestible pigeonholes, but it never does that. What is particularly nice is the relationship Ben and Jules have. It starts warily, but not antagonistic. As they grow to know and understand each other's problems and quirks, a genuine friendship develops. Nothing is too over the top or unbelievable. This is just a genuinely fun and warm comedy that is thoroughly enjoyable.
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