Movie Review: The Interview

Well, I am happy to say that I finally saw it. Yes, yours truly has gotten to take in The Interview. In a theater no less. A local second run theater got it this past weekend, and since I was already interested in it since before the hoopla, I made it a point to go and check it out. Does it live up to the "hype"? Not at all, but that is to the movie's fault. Now, if you are one of those who believe this was a publicity stunt, you can stop reading now. No one in their right mind would go so far as to fake a hacking that legitimately damaged a company and a lot of regular folks. That is crazy talk.



Yes, I am sure that Sony tried to put a positive spin on the release, but after things spun so far out of control what were they to do? I am sure they wanted to do something to recoup some of the losses incurred by the attack. While it has done well on the VOD front, and from the limited theatrical engagement, this can hardly be termed a success for Sony, as they would surely have preferred a solid theatrical run then a home video launch. In any case, it is what it is and I am glad to have see it in a theater.

Is it a good movie? Sure, why not. This is not Dr. Strangelove here, it does not rise to that level of satire, but it is funny, it is silly, it is exactly what you think it is. At the same time, like with every Paranormal Activity sequel, if you don't like Seth Rogen and James Franco, this is not going to win you over. This really feels like a movie they came up with will hanging out and getting high. Seriously. It doesn't make it not good, but it doesn't make it good either.

The plot is laid out simply in the trailer, Franco is an entertainment news host and Rogen is his producer. They learn Kim Jong Un is a fan and are able to land an interview with him. The CIA sees this as an opportunity to to get someone close enough to take him out, so the dynamic duo are enlisted to assassinate the leader of North Korea. Bam. If you aren't on board with that, you need not apply. This is as low brow as it comes. Vulgarity and hilarity ensue.

There really is not much else to discuss when it comes to the plot, it is as simple and straightforward as they come. I thought it was funny, watching them screw up on their way to do the deed. As you can probably guess, these guys are not the brightest guys on the block and they are not exactly well equipped for the job at hand.

Rogen and Franco are a good team. Franco is pretty funny playing the dumb guy. Mugging the entire time, even more so than usual, and in North Korea, he seems to be playing the role of Dennis Rodman, suckered in by Kim, while Rogen is always trying to bring logic to the situation. Well, his sort of logic which generally makes sense, but never really helps the situation.

What it comes down to is this movie is silly, stupid, and entertaining. I like both of the leads, Diana Bangs as Sook is a lot better developed than she had any right to be. It is hardly worth being the focal point of an international incident. It is not for everyone, it is for those who may like a little politics tossed in with their sophomoric mix of bodily humor comedy, action, and general buffoonery.

I like The Interview so you don’t have to.

Recommended.