Movie Review: 'The Internship' — Google Internship Movie Not So Good

There are times in every critic's life when they are sorely tempted to write a one-word review. There is nothing that stands in our way but our integrity and the love of seeing a profusion of words on any page. For those reasons, and because the film deserves a bit more, I will expand upon my one-word review for the new Vince Vaughn-Owen Wilson buddy Google-pic: Meh.

Check here for show times of 'The Internship' at AMC Hoffman in Alexandria.

This year has not been good for supposed blockbuster comedies…in the case of these first months at the box office, mediocrity has reigned. The Internship isn't awful. It would almost be better if it were. It has cliched characters, predictable plotting and humorless scripting, but Vaughn and Wilson do a veritable comedic tarantella, a sort of improv death dance, as if they know they have much to make up for, and as a result they do make the movie intermittently entertaining.

The plot is of two out-of-work salesmen who have been permanently downsized and attempt to change the trajectory of their careers by taking summer internships at Google. Ignorant of all things techie, they go about learning what they can from a ragtag collection of uber-geeks who form their team in a contest for employment, and they guide said team through a series of life lessons. These lessons are often couched in outdated '80s references that one can only assume are meant to render them hipster-esque and so uncool they're cool.

As to the good in the film, the supporting actors all do very well, even given the limited dimensions of their characters. Max Minghella as the brainiac baddie is thoroughly unpleasant, as he should be. Rose Byrne as the love interest for Owen Wilson's character is lovely as usual.  The members of the geek team all bring a charm that, coupled with the ongoing themes of optimism and emotional  flexibility, raises the entire film from utterly bad to a mild diversion worthy for big supporters of Vince Vaugn and Owen Wilson.

This pervasive optimism, and the idea you are never too old to embrace new challenges and experiences is a nice little message that might inspire a moviegoer or two looking to pass a few hours being gently reminded the whole world isn't going to hell in a hand basket.

As to the bad, full disclosure means Cinema Siren reveals a deep loathing of extended product placements. Even if a movie featured Heaven: the Corporation, it would put this critic off. For nearly all of its 119 minutes, the audience is subjected to what is lovingly referred to as "Googli-ness."

Hey, big behemoth corporation that has changed all our lives: You don't need another commercial, but if you're going to have one that is 119 minutes long, make it funnier.

Here's a suggestion. If you're looking for a great comedy that gives you that warm feeling inside, that serves up the sweet without a side of sap, a trip to an art house theater might be in order. Both the endlessly endearing and quirky Frances Ha and the unique coming-of-age indie The Kings of Summer are far more worth your time.

There are also other movies starring Vince Vaughn and/or Owen Wilson that are not only watchable but great, like the cult favorite Dodgeball, Midnight in Paris, and of course the far bawdier Wedding Crashers. Give this movie a pass and enjoy these greats again.