The Internship Review
rating: 2
After striking comedic gold eight years ago with Wedding Crashers, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson reunite for The Internship, a comedy about crashing the system at Google. In theory it sounds like a no brainer, but whilst the duos chemistry is still evident, this is a far more forgettable effort than their 2005 hit. Directed by Shawn Levy (Real Steel), the filmfollows Billy McMahon (Vaughn) and Nick Campbell (Wilson), salesmen who find themselves outdated and unemployed in the wake of the digital era. After struggling to find full-time work, the pair eventually talk their way into a coveted internship at Google. With a team of misfits (naturally) and only a few jobs available at the end of the program, they must compete against a group of tech-savvy students who are themselves vying for a career jump-start. Its a basic fish-out-of-water setup that nonetheless has masses of potential to score some major laughs, but due to a myriad of problems not least of which is a flawed and predictable screenplay The Internship is not as funny or profound as it intends to be.
The narrative features many familiar 'underdog' and 'outsider' elements that are often seen in films; indeed, some of the plot threads are very similar to previous Vaughn flicks. Additionally, some have already taken issue with Googles prominence in both the advertising and the film itself, and the criticism that the film is an advert for the popular corporation is a valid one. It might not have been so irksome had it not been so on the nose, but the companys ethos and goals are forced into the limelight at awkward times. Whats perhaps most disappointing is the fact that The Internships likeable messages and themes are often diluted due to heavy handed dialogue. As such, any life lessons which the film attempts to impart have less impact. The interaction between Wilsons Campbell and love interest Dana (Rose Byrne) is perhaps the most prevalent example of this; there is chemistry there, but when Campbell goes on and on about missed chances and regret in multiple speeches, it gets tiresome quickly. 
Even so, The Internship does have its merits. At times, the banter between Wilson and Vaughan is as enjoyable as times gone past, and the films core messages are very relevant and easy to get on board with. The supporting characters are mostly one-note foils for the two leads, although some are more enjoyable than others. Aasif Mandvi is a standout in this regard as the stern Intern Program Head Mr. Chetty, whilst Max Minghellas pointlessly accented rival is about as unlikable a character well see this year. Despite some light-hearted comedic flourishes, The Internship is a disappointing comedy that is just about watchable due to Wilson and Vaughans talents. Its just a shame that the material that they were working with this time round is so formulaic. Not even an extended Will Ferrell cameo can produce the desired belly laughs. 
The Internship is released in UK cinemas from Friday.