Robert De Niro’s Comeback: The Intern Rises from the Streaming Grave

Ah, Robert De Niro—America’s beloved tough guy turned senior intern. After a lackluster start to the year, thanks to the release of The Alto Knights, our favorite two-faced mobster is back in the spotlight. No, not for his critically acclaimed epic, but for the 2015 gem that was almost lost to the digital void—The Intern.

The Plot Thickens (or at Least Bends a Little)

In a twist that can only be described as “age is just a number—unless you’re watching a rom-com,” De Niro plays Ben Whittaker, a septuagenarian widower who decides life’s a little dull when you’re not Googling your birth year. So, what does he do? He interns. Because nothing screams “relatable” quite like an 80-year-old man navigating an online fashion startup, right?

A Streaming Surprise

Fast-forward through a decade of social media existential crises, and voilà! The Intern joins the Netflix family, shooting straight to the top of America’s streaming charts like it was 2015 again. At the time of writing, it clings to the #1 spot—most likely confusing millennials who thought interns were still just for unpaid coffee runs.

Box Office Bonanza

When it premiered, The Intern grossed $194 million against a modest budget of $35 million. That’s five times the money—proof that aging stars still have a little market value left, especially when set against a rolodex of familiar co-stars like Anne Hathaway and Rene Russo. Just think: with that kind of return, De Niro could almost afford to buy his own online fashion site. Almost.

Critics Read the Room

Rotten Tomatoes ratings also had a little something to say about this charming romp. The critics lauded it with a stellar (by my calculations) 60%, while audiences scored a solid 73%. Somewhere in the ether, a confused moviegoer wondered if they were reviewing film or fast food.

Nancy Meyers, the Unbothered Matriarch

Of course, let’s not forget Nancy Meyers—the queen of cozy comedies. Did she need any help writing or directing The Intern? Absolutely not! This film is still the most recent glorious addition to her oeuvre, proving she can churn out delightful nostalgia without breaking a sweat. Meanwhile, the rest of us periodically reconsider our life choices while binging reruns of Frasier.

In Conclusion: Age, Laughs, and Streaming Triumph

So there you have it. Robert De Niro might still be figuring out how to work his smartphone, but thanks to the resurrection of The Intern, he remains a formidable force in the streaming world. Who knew middle-aged interns were all the rage in 2023? Catch it while you can, folks! Ages 18 to infinity are welcome—just know that intern mentorship often pairs better with a cup of decaf and a side of irony.