After long last, and much controversy, “The Interview” has been released by Sony. The film starring Seth Rogen and James Franco follows two unsuspecting assassins as they attempt to kill Kim Jong Un, the sitting leader of North Korea. And after a series of hacked data and threatening messages, Sony yanked the film all together.
This decision led to the creation of two camps: Those who believed Sony acted cowardly, setting a scary precedent and stifling freedom of creativity in America; and those who believed maybe a Franco-Rogen movie wasn’t worth putting movie goers at risk.
Regardless of where you stand, now that “The Interview” is playing in more than 300 independent theaters in the country, and released digitally through streaming services like YouTube and Google Play, you might be feeling the pressure to go see it in order to prove a point. Here in Boston, “The Interview” will premiere at the Somerville Theater on Friday, January 2, and the movie is available to see today at Apple Cinemas in Cambridge. Of course, more controversy and hype has surrounded this movie more than any other in recent memory, but if you generally steer clear from James Franco, you don’t have to see “The Interview” or face being a bad American.
There are plenty of other movies you can support today instead of “The Interview.” Here are our picks.
“Into the Woods”
Even if you don’t usually gravitate toward movies where people are breaking out into song, this one looks pretty spectacular, not to mention, unlike most of what’s out there. Plus, it stars Meryl Streep, so you know she won’t steer you wrong. This fairy tale remix premieres today, December 25, in theaters everywhere, and it wasn’t pulled out of them once.
“Unbroken”
Angelina Jolie directed this inspirational film based on a true story about an Olympic runner who survived being captured in war. If you’d rather see a movie that’s the polar opposite of two fictional goofballs who stumble into the task of killing a nation’s leader, see “Unbroken.”
The Original “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Because the one starring Jim Carrey is an abomination, and this way, you can stick it to the big-time movie makers very, very indirectly.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
Want to put it all into perspective this Christmas? Flip on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and get the real feeling of Christmas spirit. Remember to be thankful for your family, y’all.
“Pineapple Express”
Transport back to a Franco-Rogen era when things were more simple. Sure, there were drugs and violence, but no country’s leaders get killed in this film. Totally innocent, stoner fun – even if it’s not a Christmas movie.
Screengrab via Apple Cinemas
