The Intern

Former prosecutor Campbell (The Wife Who Knew Too Much) returns with a goofy legal thriller about the shifting relationship between a judge and her protégé. Harvard Law student Madison Rivera was inspired to become an attorney during a high school career day speech given by Kathryn Conroy, a crusading prosecutor named to the federal bench. Now, Kathryn is one of Madison’s professors, and Madison’s dream of emulating the older woman seems attainable, especially when she’s invited to apply for an internship in Kathryn’s chambers. Before the interview, however, Madison learns that her wayward younger brother Danny has pled guilty to federal drug charges and told their mother his plea was coerced—and that Kathryn was in cahoots with the corrupt cop who arrested him. Panicked, Madison lies and tells Kathryn she’s an only child during the interview. After she’s hired, however, Madison uses her access to Kathryn’s records to verify Danny’s claims, and a little digging reveals that Kathryn is hiding a mountain of dark secrets. Is Madison being set up? Unfortunately, Campbell’s experience with the law doesn’t much help the undercooked cat-and-mouse game that emerges—she shows her hand too early, neutralizing most of the suspense, and the plot takes several implausible jumps. This disappoints. (Oct.)