There are several key components that make up a memorable comedy. First of all, the plot of the story must be very well-written and contain enough surprises that keep audiences members wanting to see what happens next. Second of all, the central characters need to be likeable and sympathetic enough in order to get viewers to root for them throughout the film. But, most all, in order to be completely successful, there needs to be a strong sense of comedic chemistry between the lead performers. Watching two or more performers interact in a naturally funny manner can make a movie enjoyable; even if the screenplay isn't great. Fortunately, however, if the audience is presented with a comedy that is cleverly written and is rich in pure comedic chemistry, than the complete experience can is truly memorable. And in the case of the June 7th release of “The Internship,” the audience is treated to an pleasant time at the theaters; thanks to an honest screenplay and pure comedic chemistry between stats Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson-- together again after their 2005 comedy hit “Wedding Crashers.” Thus, I can say with utmost optimism:
“The Internship” is a Successful Big-Screen Reunion for Vince Vaughn and Own Wilson
In Director Shawn Levy's 2013 comedy, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson stars as Billy McMahon and Nick Campbell; two watch salesman who are let go after their boss Sammy Boscoe, played by John Goodman, informs them that he's out of business. With no other options, Billy convinces Nick to sit down for an online interview for a potential internship at Google, that could hopefully lead them to getting new full-time jobs. Even though they lack much experience, the pair are accepted into the internship program. After arriving at Google, our protagonists learn that they will be competing in teams for the full-time position. But more interestingly, Vaughn's Billy and Wilson's Billy learn that they are the only adult applicants in attendance. After being ahut out of every group, Billy and Nick join up with a group of accepted interns that have also been rejected from the other groups: phone-obsessed Stuart, played by Dylan O'Brien, home-schooled Yo-Yo, played by Tobit Raphael, and tech-savy Neha- played by Tiya Sircar. The group is led by Lyle, played by Josh Brener, an upbeat young Google employee who possesses his own share of insecurities. While Billy and Nick have difficulty understanding modern-day computer lingo as well as the latest trends in technology, they get the group of young applicants to work together as a team. And throughout the film, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson truly shine thanks to their hilarious banter as well as their own comedic styles.
Image of Owen Wilson as Nick Campbell and Vince Vaughn as Billy McMahon taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS473US477&biw=1050&bih=542&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZBs_yz9BG6F-MM:&imgrefurl=http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/1
Of course, the funniest parts of “The Internship” come from Vince Vaughn's engaging performance as Billy McMahon. Vaughn's signature rapid-fire delivery is as sharp as ever; as he mouthing off many humorous lines in a matter of minutes. The actor has many humorous scenes in the film; including sequences in which his character tries to connect with the internship program's head organizer Mr. Chetty; played by Aasif Mandavi. Watching Billy's playful attempts to invite the unswerving official to go out to a bar for drinks are enjpyable; mainly due to Vince Vaughn’s genuine charisma. And Vaughn interacts quite well with the young actors playing his fellow interns; particularly with Josh Brener's Lyle-- who Billy tries to make more confident with approaching a professor he has romantic feelings for. Brener emerges as a good straight-man to Vaughn, and the pair play-off each other finely. In other words, just as we have seen with his character in “Wedding Crashers,” Vince Vaughn's comedic performance is a significant source of most of the comedy in “The Internship”.
But what's so great about Vince Vaughn, as an actor, is that he enables audiences to feel the exact same emotions his characters are experiencing. He does this in a completely flawless manner; due to his believable performance. For instance, when applying over the computer with Owen Wilson's Nick Campbell, Vaughn's Billy goes from joking around with the questions he's being asked by the interviewers,played by B.J. Novak and Karen Ceesay, to making an honest statement about how he and his friend are out of options and want a chance to prove themselves worthy of the internship that will hopefully lead to full-time employment. When Vaughn's character is pleading his case, the audience can truly understand just how determined our protagonists are and how far they are willing to go when working at Google. Another example of Vince Vaughn's ability to connect with the audience takes place later in the film, when he and his teammates are competing in a crucial event in the competition. As the event unfolds, it appears that Vaughn's Billy knows exactly how he is doing; as his character is seen playing around during the competition; as it's clear as day that he knows what he's taking about and he figures he can have some fun while performing his tasks. However, once the competition is over, it is revealed that Vaughn's character made an error so critical, that it could greatly affect the team's chances at winning. The audience can see just how shocked Vaughn's character is when realizing the mistake; and are fully aware of the weight of the situation. What's more, the audience goes from laughing at the character's humorous comments to slowly understanding the negative consequences of his mistake. And as the film unfolds, the audience hopes that everything will end up alright and that Vaughn's Billy succeeds in the end. Simply put, the actor's performance throughout “The Internship” is wholeheartedly believable and we can root for him all of the way. Vince Vaughn is a very talented performer!
While Vince Vaughn's performance as Billy McMahon is indeed memorable, it is also important to highlight Owen Wilson's role of Nick Campbell. Throughout the film, Wilson's on-screen persona mainly serves as the essential straightman to Vaughn's character. Vaughn's primarily serves as the catalyst for the plot of the film; whereas Wilson does a fine job being Billy's staightman. Though, while Billy serves as the idea's man, Wilson's Nick proves to be the more responsible one; being the first of the pair to get a full grasp on the technology class material. Also, much like his protagonist in “Wedding Crashers,” Wilson serve's as the film's romantic lead; as his protagonist falls for Google administrator Dana; played by Rose Byrne. Wilson and Byrne possess good chemistry; especially during a sequence when they go out for dinner. Watching the two interact is enjpyable, and, like with Vaughn, Wilson's engaging performance allows his character to be very likable.
But while Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn perform very well on their own, it is their scenes together that greatly make “The Internship” a great comedy film. Just as we've seen in “Wedding Crashers,” the comedic chemistry between the two performers is omnipresent. In fact, right at the start of the film, the Vaughn and Wilson engage in a cheery sequence that gets the audience smiling right away. It's the perfect scene to show viewers just what they are in store for. In addition, when our protagonists start working with their teammates on a task centered around debugging, it is a treat to watch Vaughn and Wilson come up with various methods in hopes of figuring some calculations. In addition, when the competing in a game of Quiddich with the other groups of interns, Vaughn and Wilson are hilarious as they try to motivate their teammates to work together; as they deliver one humorous line after another. The duo's comedic chemistry is still sharp,leading to them keeping the audience's attention throughout the film. Simply put, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson posses great comedic chemistry and their performances throughout “The Internship” are terrific!
It is also important to mention that the screenplay of “The Internship” proves to be just as memorable as the performances of the film's leading actors. The screenplay, co-written by Vince Vaughn and Jared Stern basically tells the honest story of two guys who work for nothing in hopes of gaining full-time employment. Thanks to the screenplay written by Vaughn and Stern, we are able to observe just how far our protagonists are willing to go. Through they have difficulty understanding the latest technical breakthroughs at Google, our protagonists know that they need to stick it out. And even though Vaughn's Billy and Wilson's Nick prove to be oldest applicants, they eventually manage to get their teammates to work together. And, throughout the film, Screenwriters Vince Vaughn and Jared Stern manage to successfully balance the level of humor and seriousness; thus bestowing a believable story that keeps viewers focused the whole time; as events ultimately lead to a very satisfying ending.
Image of (from left to right) Josh Grener as Lyle Spaulding, Owen Wilson as Nick Campbell, Vince Vaughn as Billy McMahon, Tobit Raphael as Yo-Yo Santos, Dylan O'Brien as Stuart Twombly, and Tiya Sircar as Neha Patel taken from http://www.moviefanatic.com/2013/06/the-internship-review-dated-or-dead-on/
All in all, “The Internship” is an engaging film as well as a great reunification for Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. And, in a Summer filled with action films, it is nice to bask in the sheer glory of a refreshing story, engaging performances, and genuine comedy.
