The Interview: Entertaining but Offensive
The Interview is a new film from Sony Pictures about the fictional assassination of North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong-un.
This topic had created controversy and tensions between the U.S. and North Korea. Sony Pictures was hacked by hackers who referred to themselves as the “Guardians of Peace.” These hackers are suspected of being tied to North Korea. They leaked confidential information from Sony’s servers and threatened terrorist attacks if the film was released.
These events caused many theaters to cancel their screenings of the movie for concern of public safety. Eventually Sony canceled its original theatrical release of the film. The Interview was later released for online rentals and in several select theaters.
The film stars comedians James Franco and Seth Rogen alongside other actors like Lizzy Caplan, Randall Park, and Diana Bang.
Franco plays a late night talk show host who wants to be taken more seriously. His producer (Rogen) sets up an interview with the leader of North Korea to help Franco. Things take a turn when the CIA approach the two and ask them to assassinate Kim.
Overall it was a very funny movie and was similar to many other movies starring Franco and Rogen (such as This is the End and Pineapple Express.)
However, the sense of humor does seem to be for a certain age group. It is rated R and rightly so for language and nudity. The humor seems to be directed more towards teenagers and younger adults in their twenties.
As an American, the film is not that offensive but the North Korean perspective is actually quite understandable. Imagine if a North Korean movie was made that portrayed our President being assassinated. Americans would not be happy with that either.
Overall, it was an enjoyable comedy to watch but understandably offensive to North Koreans. I give it 3 out of 5 paws: pursue it.
