The Intern

If there is a computer in Hollywood where you type in the parameters of your film (budget, type, demographic you want to reach, et. al.) and it spits out a movie, "The Intern" came from that machine. It happens to be the perfect version of this particular brand of movie: not a groundbreaking prototype for the future but a warm and safe archetype of a movie that Hollywood does brilliantly and abysmally. If you hate it, the movie is predictable. If you love it, it's comfortable.

This is the modern-multigenerational-rom-com-feel-good-family film that is full of quirky characters who need fixing, precocious 21st century children, and seniors who love to talk about - and have - sex (Jane Fonda's tits were a central feature of "This Is Where I Leave You" and here Robert De Niro's erection has a supporting role). But Writer/Director Nancy Miles , who's previous forays into the genre include "What Women Want," "Something's Gotta Give" and "It's Complicated," infuses this outing with all the right touches.

It's all about the casting. But it's not just about having the best and biggest names - or names with the most impact (i.e. Jane Fonda's tits will be funnier to talk about than, say, Barbara Streisand's). It's about casting chemistry and so often Hollywood misses the mark on these types of films.

Which brings me to Anne Hathaway. She seems to be a "love her" "hate her" kind of actress - there's not a lot of middle ground on her. So if you're not in the "love her" category, stop reading and click the next review. I happen to like her and find her charming. And this movie plays to all of her quirky, loveable strengths. The fact that her character of Jules has a sweet, non-creepy intimate relationship with Di Niro is a testament to the nuanced acting, the deft direction and the solid, if standard, writing.

The story is predictable and the characters are stock. There's just enough ribbing of Millennials to keep the guffaws coming and enough relationship drama to keep the tears and the "awwww" moments intact. Typical "modern" comedy line (De Niro to Hathaway): "I hate to be the feminist here between the two of us." Some great if underutilized cameos: Linda Lavin, Andrew Rannells, Celia Weston and Adam DeVine. Rene Russo has a large, but again underdeveloped, supporting role.

This is a movie you buy if you want to put something on when you need to feel good. It's like that old blanket, the glass of scotch or a warm cup of soup: safe, comfortable and helpful when the world seems too much. It won't change your life, but you will feel better after.

"The Intern"
Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
$22.99
http://www.warnerbros.com/intern