The Power Of The Modernized Chick Flick
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Power Of The Modernized Chick Flick

Exploring modern feminism through the lens of The Intern.

16
The Power Of The Modernized Chick Flick
www.designtrend.com

Whether they choose to admit it, every girl loves a good chick flick. To me, a "good chick flick" makes you smile, makes you tear up a handful of times, and gives you a warm, sentimental feeling before it's even over. If it's really good, you'll probably even wish your life was exactly like the main character's in the movie.

However, a lot of the times the only storyline is about how a man can win over a woman, allowing them to fall madly in love, be together forever, and all of that fluffy stuff. "The Intern" gives you all of the feelings you want in a chick flick without succumbing to themes of male dominance. If you haven't seen it, let me try to explain how this is done without giving away too many dirty details.

The 2015 flick, directed by Nancy Meyers, stars Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. The characterization of Hathaway's character, Jules, is crucial to the refreshingly modern plot. Jules is married, has two adorable kiddos, and not to mention is the CEO of a very successful online shopping company. It's not every day that you see a character in a movie play this type of role. Not only is she a jack of all trades, but she is beautiful and feminine. However, she works a lot and is constantly checking her email, which sometimes causes her to have to sacrifice her children and her marriage.

That's where the men's roles come into play. De Niro's character, Ben, is a kind, passionate widow who wants to spend his retirement contributing to society through an unpaid internship. His internship just so happens to be at Jules' company. So here you have a seventy-something year old man working for a thirty-year old something, and not getting paid a dime for it. Pretty cool, huh? He drives her kids around, brings her coffee, and encourages her to stay committed to her job even when things get tough.

At one point, he also keeps Jules' husband from slipping through the cracks when he feels as if his masculinity is being threatened. If it weren't for Ben, Jules would not be able to be the awesome, motherly, executive Super Woman she become in the end. He represents a modern version of chivalry, which allows a man to wipe her tears and hold the car door open while also staying at home to watch the kids while she is busy doing what she loves.

Overall, "The Intern" is pleasantly offbeat. Not only is it awesome to see a professional woman portrayed in realistic but glorified role, but the impact that men can have on a woman's success. The overall message is that hard work will take you places, no matter what your gender is or how old you are. Hopefully, in the next several years we will see more of these themes in the media, especially in movies and televisions. It's modern chick flicks such as this one that will start conversations about gender, and those conversations are what will make a positive influence in society.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89033
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

58682
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments