The Intern – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Intern

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Robert De Niro becomes Anne Hathaway's intern in this pleasant-but-predictable workplace comedy that your teen will tolerate at best.

59%

7.2

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The Intern

movie

2015

58%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Robert De Niro becomes Anne Hathaway's intern in this pleasant-but-predictable workplace comedy that your teen will tolerate at best.

59%

7.2

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59%

7.2

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Screenwise Verdict

The Intern is the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket and chamomile tea—pleasant, safe, utterly predictable, and honestly kind of boring for anyone under 30. It has good messages about ageism, mentorship, and work-life balance, and De Niro is charming as the patient, wise intern who saves the day with his handkerchief and life experience.

But let's be real: this is a 2015 Nancy Meyers-style movie that moves at a glacial pace by 2025 standards. The infidelity subplot adds some drama but also makes it awkward for family viewing with younger kids. Teens might appreciate the themes if they're mature and interested in workplace dynamics, but most will be checking their phones within 20 minutes.

It's fine. It's nice. It's also completely forgettable and not something kids are asking to watch. If you're looking for something genuinely safe and wholesome to watch with your high schooler on a lazy Sunday, sure—but don't expect them to love it or even stay awake.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who can appreciate workplace dynamics and won't be fazed by marital drama. Younger teens might engage with the mentorship themes, but preteens will find it painfully slow and irrelevant to their lives.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models intergenerational kindness, mentorship, and workplace cooperation. Ben's character demonstrates patience, respect, and genuine care for others. The relationship between Ben and Jules shows mutual respect across age and gender divides. Some workplace romance subplots and marital infidelity themes present, but handled maturely. Generally positive emotional tone with thoughtful pacing.

Imaginative

Fairly conventional workplace comedy with predictable story beats. The 'senior intern' premise is mildly creative but executed in a straightforward, paint-by-numbers way. Doesn't invite much creative thinking or exploration—it's a comfort watch, not an imaginative journey. The fashion startup setting offers some visual interest but isn't deeply explored.

Safe

PG-13 territory with some adult themes that aren't shocking but warrant awareness. Marital infidelity is a plot point (Jules's husband has an affair), some mild language, brief references to alcohol, and workplace relationship dynamics. Common Sense Media rates it 14+. No graphic content, violence, or truly inappropriate material, but the adultery subplot and mature workplace scenarios make it less suitable for younger viewers who might find these themes confusing or upsetting.

Enriching

Offers solid messages about ageism, work-life balance, and the value of experience. Shows a woman CEO navigating business challenges and personal life realistically. Demonstrates that mentorship can flow both ways and that retirement doesn't mean irrelevance. However, it's ultimately a feel-good movie that doesn't dig too deep—entertainment value is moderate, and modern teens might find it slow and dated. Positive role modeling around professionalism and kindness.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely heartwarming portrayal of intergenerational friendship and mutual respect
Shows a female CEO dealing with real business pressures and work-life balance without making her a caricature
De Niro's character models old-school professionalism, kindness, and the idea that you're never too old to contribute
Addresses ageism in the workplace in a thoughtful way
No graphic content or intense violence—a safe choice for family movie night with older kids

⚠

What to Watch For

Marital infidelity is a significant plot point that drives much of the drama—be ready for questions about cheating and marriage
Some mild language and adult workplace situations
The pacing is slow and the story is predictable—kids under 13 will likely be bored stiff
Workplace romance subplots that are handled maturely but still present

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about the idea of older people working with younger people? What can they learn from each other?"
"Jules has to decide between her career and her family at one point. What would you do in her situation?"
"Ben stays calm and helpful even when people underestimate him. Have you ever felt underestimated? How did you handle it?"
"The movie shows that retirement can be boring for some people. What do you think makes life meaningful as you get older?"

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