If you have low expectations going into this movie, you'll enjoy it a lot more. Yes, it is ridiculous, but it's also pretty funny and has some decent commentary on the world. It can be a little too over the top at times, but this is a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and you shouldn't either.
810 Reviews
Really funny!
Med-Jasta3 March 2020
Sure there are some moments that are too over the top or that go on for too long but all in all really funny. James Franco as the idiot is really good. Reminded me of South Park with their take on a dictator. How do you make fun of them? Turn them into everything they hate.
Of course this movie isn't Wag the Dog or some smart political commentary or satire movie because it was never intended to be. It's a comedy from Seth Rogan. That miserable SOB Kim Jon Un just turned it into that. As he should be offended since his country doesn't have freedom of speech and I'm sure he's never been criticized in his entire life. I only wish that they made fun of how fat that pathetic little man is, because that's such an easy target and beyond the hair adds to his goofy unthreatening, ungodly appearance. Really a missed opportunity, the fact that he says that he doesn't pee or poop and that he is a God and that he is really fat is too funny. you wonder if because he doesn't have to go to the bathroom that it's still inside of him and that's why he's such a fat piece of crap.
Of course this movie isn't Wag the Dog or some smart political commentary or satire movie because it was never intended to be. It's a comedy from Seth Rogan. That miserable SOB Kim Jon Un just turned it into that. As he should be offended since his country doesn't have freedom of speech and I'm sure he's never been criticized in his entire life. I only wish that they made fun of how fat that pathetic little man is, because that's such an easy target and beyond the hair adds to his goofy unthreatening, ungodly appearance. Really a missed opportunity, the fact that he says that he doesn't pee or poop and that he is a God and that he is really fat is too funny. you wonder if because he doesn't have to go to the bathroom that it's still inside of him and that's why he's such a fat piece of crap.
Honestly hilarious.
rprince-832-629424 December 2014
-The Interview, maybe you have heard of it, follows two idiots, played by James Franco and Seth Rogan, who host a talk show, when one day they are invited to interview Kim Jong-un. This prompts the CIA to recruit the two to 'take out' the leader of North Korea.
-I was happy to watch The Interview just to support the film industry really, but it turns out that it came with a pretty hilarious film! -The story, mainly the concept, does not wear out like Let's Be Cops, but actually gets better and better.
-The pace is pretty good and the film does not waste time. I did feel like one scene dragged, but one out of an entire film is not too bad! -The acting is especially funny with James Franco and Randall Park, who played Kim. However Seth Rogan just played the SAME. FREAKING. CHARACTER. Yeah I hate him. Anyway.
-The music was very Tarantino-esque, therefore I loved it.
-The film had me laughing right off the bat and, aside from some parts that just weren't funny, was generally hilarious throughout. Even the ending was funny, satisfying, and overall well done.
-The biggest negative is the content. It is a Seth Rogan comedy, so it is rated R. It is not that violent and only has some very brief, distant nudity. However, there is a lot of language in the film. There are some pretty iffy jokes, but it's mainly just language throughout that gives it its rating.
-So if you don't mind language and are looking for an actually funny film that is entertaining and takes an original concept to great use, The Interview is totally worth seeing in thea- oh wait, nevermind. Well you can rent it on YouTube, to it is worth that! I would honestly give The Interview an 8/10. No joke.
-I was happy to watch The Interview just to support the film industry really, but it turns out that it came with a pretty hilarious film! -The story, mainly the concept, does not wear out like Let's Be Cops, but actually gets better and better.
-The pace is pretty good and the film does not waste time. I did feel like one scene dragged, but one out of an entire film is not too bad! -The acting is especially funny with James Franco and Randall Park, who played Kim. However Seth Rogan just played the SAME. FREAKING. CHARACTER. Yeah I hate him. Anyway.
-The music was very Tarantino-esque, therefore I loved it.
-The film had me laughing right off the bat and, aside from some parts that just weren't funny, was generally hilarious throughout. Even the ending was funny, satisfying, and overall well done.
-The biggest negative is the content. It is a Seth Rogan comedy, so it is rated R. It is not that violent and only has some very brief, distant nudity. However, there is a lot of language in the film. There are some pretty iffy jokes, but it's mainly just language throughout that gives it its rating.
-So if you don't mind language and are looking for an actually funny film that is entertaining and takes an original concept to great use, The Interview is totally worth seeing in thea- oh wait, nevermind. Well you can rent it on YouTube, to it is worth that! I would honestly give The Interview an 8/10. No joke.
Don't Go In With the Wrong Expectations
thedaver50025 December 2014
Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the trailer and thought this movie was going to be stupid. But this movie is hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud at least every few minutes or so. If you don't like Seth Rogen's brand of humor or raunchy comedies then you won't like this movie. However, if you loved Pineapple Express or This Is The End, then you will probably love this movie too. Most people who hate this movie went in expecting the wrong thing because of all the hype. The Interview hits all of marks you would expect a Seth Rogen comedy to. Crazy action scenes? Check. Ridiculous characters? Check. Funny jokes with an occasional heartfelt serious moment? Check.
I'll give an honest review about this movie as an American
ferloinvinnie24 December 2014
Alright so let's get this out of the way. I'm giving huge props to Sony for releasing this movie after being threatened and hacked. With that being said my new found love for Sony has nothing to do with this review, I'm simply giving my opinion as if none of that ever happened.
Rogen and Franco. They're the modern day David Spade and Chris Farley, or at least they're getting there. They're on the same level as Ferrell and Reilly and Hill and Tatum. You get my point, they work well together...like peanut butter and......okay enough with the comparisons.
The movie is a satire, that's something you have to realize and accept before you ever even watch it. Do not go into it expecting it to be realistic or within reason. If you have a preconceived idea that the movie will be in the realm of realism then don't even bother. With that being said, the movie was well thought out in the way of being what it is and these two pull it off perfectly. Franco being the dumb one who's idiotically friendly to the wrong people and Rogen being the one with whatever sense of responsibility you could ever picture him having to begin with. The movie and their characters, in that sense, could be compared to their roles in Pineapple Express. If you liked Pineapple Express, you'll like this movie too because it comes with that same sense of humor that just works.
There were very few parts that were like "okay, is this going to pick up?" and there were parts (more often that not) that were near non-stop hilarious. There are some jokes and comments in there that I've never heard elsewhere that were purely brilliant and hilarious.
Sony spent A LOT of money making this movie and you can tell. It doesn't have that cheesy feel to it the way the "Scary Movie" series does, it's not that kind of satire or parody. The feel of the movie really was just like Pineapple Express. It's not overly done in a cheesy type of way at all. You really should watch it for yourselves, and not just because you want to give the big "f-you" to North Korea and its hackers-watch it because it's classic Rogen-Franco genius comedy.
7 out of 10, pushing 8 out of 10. Movies nowadays hardly ever make me laugh and I don't like stupid humor like Napoleon Dynamite or the cheesiness of movies like Scary Movie and I can say that this made me laugh like I haven't in a while.
Rogen and Franco. They're the modern day David Spade and Chris Farley, or at least they're getting there. They're on the same level as Ferrell and Reilly and Hill and Tatum. You get my point, they work well together...like peanut butter and......okay enough with the comparisons.
The movie is a satire, that's something you have to realize and accept before you ever even watch it. Do not go into it expecting it to be realistic or within reason. If you have a preconceived idea that the movie will be in the realm of realism then don't even bother. With that being said, the movie was well thought out in the way of being what it is and these two pull it off perfectly. Franco being the dumb one who's idiotically friendly to the wrong people and Rogen being the one with whatever sense of responsibility you could ever picture him having to begin with. The movie and their characters, in that sense, could be compared to their roles in Pineapple Express. If you liked Pineapple Express, you'll like this movie too because it comes with that same sense of humor that just works.
There were very few parts that were like "okay, is this going to pick up?" and there were parts (more often that not) that were near non-stop hilarious. There are some jokes and comments in there that I've never heard elsewhere that were purely brilliant and hilarious.
Sony spent A LOT of money making this movie and you can tell. It doesn't have that cheesy feel to it the way the "Scary Movie" series does, it's not that kind of satire or parody. The feel of the movie really was just like Pineapple Express. It's not overly done in a cheesy type of way at all. You really should watch it for yourselves, and not just because you want to give the big "f-you" to North Korea and its hackers-watch it because it's classic Rogen-Franco genius comedy.
7 out of 10, pushing 8 out of 10. Movies nowadays hardly ever make me laugh and I don't like stupid humor like Napoleon Dynamite or the cheesiness of movies like Scary Movie and I can say that this made me laugh like I haven't in a while.
It's so dumb, I love it.
ni6hant4 March 2020
This is a perfect example of a very good execution. The movie is directed and produced and acted so beautifully that you forgive it for every plot holes, every stupid thing that doesn't make any sense in this movie at all.
You enjoy this movie because it's fun and will forgive it's downsides because as Glenn Holland said in the movie Mr. Holland's Opus (1995): "Playing music is supposed to be fun. It's about heart, it's about feelings, moving people, and something beautiful, and it's not about notes on a page. I can teach you notes on a page, I can't teach you that other stuff." Similarly making a movie like this is supposed to be fun.
You enjoy this movie because it's fun and will forgive it's downsides because as Glenn Holland said in the movie Mr. Holland's Opus (1995): "Playing music is supposed to be fun. It's about heart, it's about feelings, moving people, and something beautiful, and it's not about notes on a page. I can teach you notes on a page, I can't teach you that other stuff." Similarly making a movie like this is supposed to be fun.
Some Wicked Fun!
namashi_125 December 2014
Despite the doomed controversy surrounding it, 'The Interview' is a pretty cool & funny film, that deserved a wider release. Its limited release may restrict its appeal, but I'd suggest anyone who wants to laugh on Christmas, should check this one out.
'The Interview' Synopsis: Dave Skylark and producer Aaron Rapoport run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight." When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un, they are recruited by the CIA to turn their trip to Pyongyang into an assassination mission.
'The Interview' has its share of hiccups. Firstly, the concept itself, would raise eye-brows & the sequences involving the dictator, are quite shocking, even though its told in all good humor. One more thing, the excessive violence in the narrative puts off you. The bloodshed could've easily been calmer.
But on the plus side, 'The Interview' is quite a joyride! Seth Rogen's Story, is nicely complimented by a mostly laugh-out-loud Screenplay Written by Dan Sterling. There are moments of pure hilarity, as well as moments involving shocking dialogue. Rogen & Evan Goldberg's Direction is perfect. Cinematography is awesome. Editing is rightly done. Art Design is excellent.
Performance-Wise: Rogen is in very good form, delivering above expectations. James Franco is a complete riot. His over-the-top, loud performance as the self-obsessed TV-Anchor, brings the house down on numerous occasions. Lizzy Caplan is first-rate. Randall Park is another topper as the megalomaniac dictator. His scenes with Franco, are truly funny. Diana Bang is stupendous, she unknowingly steals the show!
On the whole, 'The Interview' has moments of shock & gore, but there is also a lot of humor in here, that does the trick.
'The Interview' Synopsis: Dave Skylark and producer Aaron Rapoport run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight." When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un, they are recruited by the CIA to turn their trip to Pyongyang into an assassination mission.
'The Interview' has its share of hiccups. Firstly, the concept itself, would raise eye-brows & the sequences involving the dictator, are quite shocking, even though its told in all good humor. One more thing, the excessive violence in the narrative puts off you. The bloodshed could've easily been calmer.
But on the plus side, 'The Interview' is quite a joyride! Seth Rogen's Story, is nicely complimented by a mostly laugh-out-loud Screenplay Written by Dan Sterling. There are moments of pure hilarity, as well as moments involving shocking dialogue. Rogen & Evan Goldberg's Direction is perfect. Cinematography is awesome. Editing is rightly done. Art Design is excellent.
Performance-Wise: Rogen is in very good form, delivering above expectations. James Franco is a complete riot. His over-the-top, loud performance as the self-obsessed TV-Anchor, brings the house down on numerous occasions. Lizzy Caplan is first-rate. Randall Park is another topper as the megalomaniac dictator. His scenes with Franco, are truly funny. Diana Bang is stupendous, she unknowingly steals the show!
On the whole, 'The Interview' has moments of shock & gore, but there is also a lot of humor in here, that does the trick.
Dumb and Dumber do The Interview
SteveMierzejewski25 December 2014
For the sake of film criticism, I will pretend that I watched the film without the political maelstrom that has raised it to a level of interest that it would otherwise never have attained.
This is the typical mass produced, lowbrow, comedy that Hollywood cranks out to appeal to 15-year-old boys. There are a few slapstick laughs in the tradition of the Three Stooges that break the monotony. I would not elevate the film to the level of a satire as that would imply that there was some intelligent thought behind it. There is not. All the humor, both physical and verbal, is completely obvious. It will not go down in history as one of the great comedies, which is probably what upset Kim Jung Un the most.
The attempts to make political observations are all based on time-worn points (people are starving, Kim is not a god). The sections that imply Kim has psychological problems may be more irritating to the regime. Most of the attempted humor deals with Kim fighting his homophobia and dealing with a father who gave him little support.
There is no need to comment on the acting as there really is none. No one will win an Oscar nomination here. The story is predictable: You can guess what will happen before you begin watching it. It's the kind of film you watch to see a few gags and, maybe, get a few laughs. They will be very few, indeed, unless you are 15 or under. However, knowing the media attention that this film has received, it is unlikely a poor review will stop anyone from watching it. Just remember, I warned you.
This is the typical mass produced, lowbrow, comedy that Hollywood cranks out to appeal to 15-year-old boys. There are a few slapstick laughs in the tradition of the Three Stooges that break the monotony. I would not elevate the film to the level of a satire as that would imply that there was some intelligent thought behind it. There is not. All the humor, both physical and verbal, is completely obvious. It will not go down in history as one of the great comedies, which is probably what upset Kim Jung Un the most.
The attempts to make political observations are all based on time-worn points (people are starving, Kim is not a god). The sections that imply Kim has psychological problems may be more irritating to the regime. Most of the attempted humor deals with Kim fighting his homophobia and dealing with a father who gave him little support.
There is no need to comment on the acting as there really is none. No one will win an Oscar nomination here. The story is predictable: You can guess what will happen before you begin watching it. It's the kind of film you watch to see a few gags and, maybe, get a few laughs. They will be very few, indeed, unless you are 15 or under. However, knowing the media attention that this film has received, it is unlikely a poor review will stop anyone from watching it. Just remember, I warned you.
People are really stupid. Great movie for it's category
Mrjafa129 January 2015
Reading some of these reviews and I find myself looking for a pair of pliers to help some of these people remove the stick out of their ass. To note, I only made an account for this review because I was afraid some people may get the wrong idea about this movie. No, it will not win an Oscar, no it will not have an Oscar winning actor. Was Chevy Chase, Chris Farley, Eddie Murray, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Will ferrel did a any of them win an Oscar? No, however were their movies not one of the funniest of their time? Exactly. Seth and James will not win an Oscar because the committee doesn't rate comical aspects. However this movie is hilarious. Without being one of the "typical" comedy type movies that have come out recently. It's different comical aspects then what has been common in movie cinema in the past year. Obviously it's a comedy, and in the category of comedy movies it will rank as one of the higher ones. When you watch this movie you expect that. It's not a Beautiful Mind or Titanic. It's a comedy, and a damn funny one at that. When you watch a comedy you want to laugh, and this movie will make you laugh. End of story. Please don't listen to those who critique this movie as if it is a nominees for a best movie award.
i know we had to watch it but p l e a s e
peter-chadwick-194-22752824 December 2014
What a waste of time, the publicity surrounding this movie cannot be bought, it was priceless, and so I had to watch it, stayed in Christmas eve expecting rubbish, and sure enough Sony delivered ..
I enjoyed "world police" so I gave this a try because when I looked on IMDb they recommended this movie as well, everyone has to watch it of course. So thank you Sony for creating difficult international relations and wasting millions of viewing hours on trash like this.
The scripts coming out of Hollywood are getting paper thin, this was "rice paper thin" absolutely dreadful, but again, you have to see it don't you
I enjoyed "world police" so I gave this a try because when I looked on IMDb they recommended this movie as well, everyone has to watch it of course. So thank you Sony for creating difficult international relations and wasting millions of viewing hours on trash like this.
The scripts coming out of Hollywood are getting paper thin, this was "rice paper thin" absolutely dreadful, but again, you have to see it don't you
Not quite up to the hype
matjusm25 December 2014
Saw this film recently and I must say that it doesn't quite live up to the hype that has been generated by all the talk of hacking into Sony.
The film is essentially a buddy comedy where a talk show host played by James Franco and his producer played by Seth Rogen head to North Korea to interview Kim Il Un. Before they go the CIA however gives them the task of assassinating the leader.
The movie plays on the opposites that are the characters with Franco's being a somewhat dumb, naive and hotheaded character with Rogen's being more level headed.
A lot of the comedy is derived on the interaction and dialog of Rogen and Franco but it is here that I find it doesn't always work. Franco's character is just far too over the top, a bit obnoxious even, and just gets on your nerves quite quickly.
The plot line gets pretty absurd quickly but that is of course to be expected. The film has it's moments and it is funny at times but I find it ends up being just mediocre and you keep wishing that Franco's character wouldn't speak as much.
Passable entertainment but nothing spectacular. 6/10
The film is essentially a buddy comedy where a talk show host played by James Franco and his producer played by Seth Rogen head to North Korea to interview Kim Il Un. Before they go the CIA however gives them the task of assassinating the leader.
The movie plays on the opposites that are the characters with Franco's being a somewhat dumb, naive and hotheaded character with Rogen's being more level headed.
A lot of the comedy is derived on the interaction and dialog of Rogen and Franco but it is here that I find it doesn't always work. Franco's character is just far too over the top, a bit obnoxious even, and just gets on your nerves quite quickly.
The plot line gets pretty absurd quickly but that is of course to be expected. The film has it's moments and it is funny at times but I find it ends up being just mediocre and you keep wishing that Franco's character wouldn't speak as much.
Passable entertainment but nothing spectacular. 6/10
Review From a Non-North Korean
nicobattersby30 December 2014
I've never written an IMDb review before, but after gazing upon the countless "1 stars" I had to make something clear.
I used to like Seth Rogan. His early stuff when he started out in "Freaks and Geeks" and his break out role in "40 Year Old Virgin". But as he grew more famous, I felt like he wasn't trying anymore. His comedic efforts no longer made me laugh and I'd effectively given up on him.
"The Interview" changed that. When I'm watching a movie by myself, it's rare that I'll laugh out loud, but this film had me giggling the whole way through. Yes - the humor is crude, offensive and childish, but it was hilariously daring. Franco, in my opinion, has never been funnier - pulling out classic one liners coupled with outrageous facial expressions.
The film takes shots at the media, the cult of celebrity and misinformed cultural perceptions. And while it may not be entirely true to life, I particularly appreciated Randall Park's humanising portrayal of Kim.
If you were debating whether to see this film or not, do it. One of the best comedies of 2014.
I used to like Seth Rogan. His early stuff when he started out in "Freaks and Geeks" and his break out role in "40 Year Old Virgin". But as he grew more famous, I felt like he wasn't trying anymore. His comedic efforts no longer made me laugh and I'd effectively given up on him.
"The Interview" changed that. When I'm watching a movie by myself, it's rare that I'll laugh out loud, but this film had me giggling the whole way through. Yes - the humor is crude, offensive and childish, but it was hilariously daring. Franco, in my opinion, has never been funnier - pulling out classic one liners coupled with outrageous facial expressions.
The film takes shots at the media, the cult of celebrity and misinformed cultural perceptions. And while it may not be entirely true to life, I particularly appreciated Randall Park's humanising portrayal of Kim.
If you were debating whether to see this film or not, do it. One of the best comedies of 2014.
The Hate us Cause they Ain't US!!
jwhite3321-847-6423425 December 2014
The Interview is not a movie ever meant to take itself seriously. A world where a journalist wants to do real news stories. The movie is over of the top, and completely implausible. None the less, the movie is fun, as it just makes fun of itself and North Korea.
Seth Rogen directs a pretty straight forward film about the US and its need for fluffy news and non-news news broadcaster. James Franco takes on the role of self adsorbed celebrity TV personality trying to placate his best friend with the biggest news interview of the 21st century.
Enter in celebrity cameos showing disdain for Dave Skylark and his shotty news show. The CIA wants to try to dictate the outcome with a change of leadership convince the dynamic duo to assassinate Kim Jong Un. The movie has its over the top moments, and some parts can be slow but it is a movie to laugh at and with it.
Everybody has something that chews them up and, for me, that thing was always loneliness. The cinema has the power to make you not feel lonely, even when you are. Tom Hanks
Seth Rogen directs a pretty straight forward film about the US and its need for fluffy news and non-news news broadcaster. James Franco takes on the role of self adsorbed celebrity TV personality trying to placate his best friend with the biggest news interview of the 21st century.
Enter in celebrity cameos showing disdain for Dave Skylark and his shotty news show. The CIA wants to try to dictate the outcome with a change of leadership convince the dynamic duo to assassinate Kim Jong Un. The movie has its over the top moments, and some parts can be slow but it is a movie to laugh at and with it.
Everybody has something that chews them up and, for me, that thing was always loneliness. The cinema has the power to make you not feel lonely, even when you are. Tom Hanks
A serious review
joshua-303-9277824 December 2014
I don't usually enjoy films in the Seth Rogen genre, so I had low expectations for The Interview. The movie is better than I expected. It's not as vulgar and trashy as I was expecting.
The plot is stupid, and makes no effort to conceal that fact. It's quite watchable, despite a slowdown midway through.
Seth Rogen is basically hilarious every time he's on screen, as much as it pains me to admit that. James Franco -as others have do doubt pointed out- is insufferable. He's plain annoying and unlikeable.
This otherwise quite ordinary film will be viewed through the curious lens of foreign relations. It serves as an unwitting example of Western culture. The good, and the bad.
The plot is stupid, and makes no effort to conceal that fact. It's quite watchable, despite a slowdown midway through.
Seth Rogen is basically hilarious every time he's on screen, as much as it pains me to admit that. James Franco -as others have do doubt pointed out- is insufferable. He's plain annoying and unlikeable.
This otherwise quite ordinary film will be viewed through the curious lens of foreign relations. It serves as an unwitting example of Western culture. The good, and the bad.
"That was a gift from Stalin." "In our country, we pronounce that Stallone"
paul-allaer25 December 2014
"The Interview" (2014 release; 112 min.) brings the story of how an entertainment reporter Dave Skylark (played by James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (played by Seth Rogen) get an opportunity to interview Kim Jong-un. the "Supreme Leader" of North Korea. As the movie opens, we see a young girl (maybe 7 or 8) sing a patriotic song for North Korean officials. The song turns hilariously into an anti-America rant. Soon thereafter, we see Skylark interview Eminem (another hilarious scene). When Skylark and Rapoport find out that Jng-un is a big fan of the show, they manage an invite to North Korea. The CIA then pays a visit and convinces the guys that they need to "take out" Jong-un. At this point we're barely 20 min. into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience.
Couple of comments: at this point as much needs to be said about the events surrounding the limited release of the movie as about the movie itself. Let's start with the movie itself: first and foremost, I had heard and read mixed things about the movie, so when my (grown) kids and I went to see it on Christmas day, I had pretty low expectations. Turns out the movie is actually not nearly as bad as I had been led the believe. Yes, there is stupid "potty" humor and yes, it's all very much over the top. But there are zingers left and right that will have you smile if not laugh out loud. One of the many, many examples: when Jong-un and Skylark are taking a tour of Jong-un's place, at some point they come across a huge tank. Comments Jong-un: "That was a gift to my grandfather by Stalin". Replies Skylark: "in our country, we pronounce that Stallone", ha! And on and on. Randall Park as Kim Jong-un is outstanding. Kudos also to Set Rogen, who also co-rwote and co-directed the movie.
As to the limited release, I at first was horrified that Sony gave in to the threats, but felt better when the limited Christmas day release was announced. The movie played on one screen at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and it's a good thin I had bought tickets on-line beforehand, as the matinée screening was sold out (as were all other screenings, apparently). The crowd was really into it, laughing and hollering and whooping it up. When the end titles started rolling, the crowd even gave an applause. In all, this truly was a "movie event", and all three of us were very happy we were part of it. "The Interview" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Couple of comments: at this point as much needs to be said about the events surrounding the limited release of the movie as about the movie itself. Let's start with the movie itself: first and foremost, I had heard and read mixed things about the movie, so when my (grown) kids and I went to see it on Christmas day, I had pretty low expectations. Turns out the movie is actually not nearly as bad as I had been led the believe. Yes, there is stupid "potty" humor and yes, it's all very much over the top. But there are zingers left and right that will have you smile if not laugh out loud. One of the many, many examples: when Jong-un and Skylark are taking a tour of Jong-un's place, at some point they come across a huge tank. Comments Jong-un: "That was a gift to my grandfather by Stalin". Replies Skylark: "in our country, we pronounce that Stallone", ha! And on and on. Randall Park as Kim Jong-un is outstanding. Kudos also to Set Rogen, who also co-rwote and co-directed the movie.
As to the limited release, I at first was horrified that Sony gave in to the threats, but felt better when the limited Christmas day release was announced. The movie played on one screen at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati, and it's a good thin I had bought tickets on-line beforehand, as the matinée screening was sold out (as were all other screenings, apparently). The crowd was really into it, laughing and hollering and whooping it up. When the end titles started rolling, the crowd even gave an applause. In all, this truly was a "movie event", and all three of us were very happy we were part of it. "The Interview" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Avg comedy with a novel premise. There are laughs but not tons of 'em
ArchonCinemaReviews8 January 2015
Sony should thank the thoughtful hackers who brought so much publicity and marketing to The Interview that it guaranteed this average comedy to be a smash.
This may sound conspiratorial but perhaps the hacking scandal associated with Sony and focusing on The Interview is the newest form of marketing to hit society.
James Franco is celebrity tabloid show host Dave Skylark of "Skylark Tonight" run by producer Aaron Rapoport, played by Seth Rogen. Rapoport hopes to up the quality meter of his hit news show by reporting real news and not the junk stories that typically garner their viewers. Skylark and Rapoport decide they should interview one of their number one fans, the infamous North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. When North Korea agrees the CIA hopes to capitalize on this once in a lifetime opportunity into Pyongyang and make the trip an assassination.
The premise behind The Interview is quite original, and certainly hasn't been done in recent times. Besides that though, everything about the comedy is the exact same as any other Rogen film. Amusing? Sure. But Amazeballs and memorable? Nope, not a chance.
James Franco creates an especially ridiculous and engaging character as do the writers of the film in their creative-libertied take on Kim Jong-un. Beyond that there is really very little to say about the film. The Interview is funny but you won't laugh and original but horrendously tired. One thing The Interview is, is underwhelming and forgettable. If you must watch it, just look for a killer final scene.
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This may sound conspiratorial but perhaps the hacking scandal associated with Sony and focusing on The Interview is the newest form of marketing to hit society.
James Franco is celebrity tabloid show host Dave Skylark of "Skylark Tonight" run by producer Aaron Rapoport, played by Seth Rogen. Rapoport hopes to up the quality meter of his hit news show by reporting real news and not the junk stories that typically garner their viewers. Skylark and Rapoport decide they should interview one of their number one fans, the infamous North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. When North Korea agrees the CIA hopes to capitalize on this once in a lifetime opportunity into Pyongyang and make the trip an assassination.
The premise behind The Interview is quite original, and certainly hasn't been done in recent times. Besides that though, everything about the comedy is the exact same as any other Rogen film. Amusing? Sure. But Amazeballs and memorable? Nope, not a chance.
James Franco creates an especially ridiculous and engaging character as do the writers of the film in their creative-libertied take on Kim Jong-un. Beyond that there is really very little to say about the film. The Interview is funny but you won't laugh and original but horrendously tired. One thing The Interview is, is underwhelming and forgettable. If you must watch it, just look for a killer final scene.
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Why is this movie getting high ratings?
nadiasbhuyain-193-65316824 December 2014
Honestly I was very interested in watching this movie when I saw the trailer however almost 45 min into it I hadn't even cracked a smile. I expected a lot more from this film, especially being a big fan of seth and franco. This movie has a few puns here an there but overall a terrible movie, expect garbage. If it hadn't been for all the controversy surrounded around it I'm sure it would've gotten mediocre reviews all around. I honestly don't understand the 9+ stars from some reviewers, it's satire but not comedically well written in any sense. Save yourself the trouble, don't bother watching it. Seth and Franco gave a good performance but the movie had a lame plot and subpar lines.
Not worthy of an international incident
ssinai25 December 2014
Just finished watching it at seetheinterview.com. I would rather have gone to a theater, but the nearest ones showing it were an hour away.
This type of movie isn't one I normally spend money on, but I figured I should do my patriotic duty and see it.
Parts had me laughing out loud, while other parts were boring as hell. Seth Rogan played the straight man, and wasn't particularly entertaining. Nor was the guy who played Kim Jong-Un. James Franco's portrayal as host of a TMZ-style gossip show was a little too over-the-top for me, but he was the most entertaining person in the movie.
I feel it's safe to predict no Academy Awards for this one, nor the downfall of the North Korean government because of the movie.
This type of movie isn't one I normally spend money on, but I figured I should do my patriotic duty and see it.
Parts had me laughing out loud, while other parts were boring as hell. Seth Rogan played the straight man, and wasn't particularly entertaining. Nor was the guy who played Kim Jong-Un. James Franco's portrayal as host of a TMZ-style gossip show was a little too over-the-top for me, but he was the most entertaining person in the movie.
I feel it's safe to predict no Academy Awards for this one, nor the downfall of the North Korean government because of the movie.
Fun to watch, but fail the expectation
zhangxu-seu24 December 2014
With all the hype by the Sony hackgate, finally this movie is open in Christmas. The movie is fun, James Franco and Seth Rogen are hilarious, Randall Park created a cruel but also very sympathizable dictator junior, and the music in the movie is pretty good. The only problem I have with this movie is that I don't think it's a good idea to actually use the 'Kim Jung Un' to name the character, it makes the movie a little too much 'political', this is supposed to be a comedy, it's just for fun, so why bother to act like it's trying to implicate some real problems in reality while we have bunch of other channels of information for those issues, I think this only makes the movie take some propaganda taste. BTW, I don't get why the movie get so high a rating.
A entertaining and harmless movie
juleswindfell14 January 2015
Note: English is my second language, so don't hold it against me.
Before this movie come out, I remembered Team America: World Police also narrative about killing Kim Jong-il, and the ex-leader of North Korean ban the film. But in the end, Team America is just a satire movie no more no less.
Now get back to subject that have been shook up the whole world in the late 2014. The Interview is a predictable movie about friendship between Dave Skylark, played wonderfully by James Franco (who had a bizarre career) and Aaron Rapaport, played by Seth Rogen go to North Korea to take Kim Jong-un out. Full with toilet humor, over- the-top violence and (mostly) one-dimensional characters, this is just a entertaining and harmless movie with a hilarious yet very violent climax I've ever witness since The Pinapple Express.
7/10.
Before this movie come out, I remembered Team America: World Police also narrative about killing Kim Jong-il, and the ex-leader of North Korean ban the film. But in the end, Team America is just a satire movie no more no less.
Now get back to subject that have been shook up the whole world in the late 2014. The Interview is a predictable movie about friendship between Dave Skylark, played wonderfully by James Franco (who had a bizarre career) and Aaron Rapaport, played by Seth Rogen go to North Korea to take Kim Jong-un out. Full with toilet humor, over- the-top violence and (mostly) one-dimensional characters, this is just a entertaining and harmless movie with a hilarious yet very violent climax I've ever witness since The Pinapple Express.
7/10.
Unbelievably Bad
les-53725 December 2014
There is not a single laugh in this 2 hour film.
The results are equivalent to what you would get if you took two random high school stoner kids and gave them the task of writing the worst movie possible.
The best part of this movie is the sound and camera work. That is because Seth and James did not do it.
It's amazing how many people have been paid to write positive reviews. I want to vomit when I think of the money these awful producers are making from this pile of brain dead trash.
Merry Christmas.
The results are equivalent to what you would get if you took two random high school stoner kids and gave them the task of writing the worst movie possible.
The best part of this movie is the sound and camera work. That is because Seth and James did not do it.
It's amazing how many people have been paid to write positive reviews. I want to vomit when I think of the money these awful producers are making from this pile of brain dead trash.
Merry Christmas.
Very Funny But Underrated
StevenKind9711 January 2015
Overall I did enjoy this film I did get a few good laughs out of it. But what mainly drew me to watching this film was all of the controversy that was surrounding it. This movie is a comedy but it shows us how North Korea is ran by a crazy manipulative man. I did enjoy this film it was very funny and shows us about Kim Jong Un and North Korea. Seth Rogan and James Franco Played excellent roles and so did Diana Bang on her role. And Randall Park did a great job portraying Kim Jong Un in a comedic way. This film is definitely a funny movie but I have seen movies that have given me more laughs than this. Its ashamed that this movie did not get that much time in theaters but it made plenty of money on digital purchases.
Crazy and funny with entertaining performances, but not as relevant as it could have been.
sbweightman12 March 2020
Crazy and funny, they look like they had a lot of fun making this movie. The humour is silly, crass and a bit cringey at times being mostly laddish in nature, and the leads are very entertaining throughout the straightforward plot. I can see why it was controversial (I mean, who wants a movie that bluntly insults them to be shown to the world?), but it would have had more relevance if more of the content was based on fact.
Not bad at all
alci35025 December 2014
Reading all the bad comments, I was expecting something in style of Borat or Dumb and dumberer to. Or some sort of embarrassing Ben Stiller humor. Those are uncomfortable to watch. But not this, not by a long shot.
This was actually pretty okey. It wasn't some crappy humor at all, but a comedy trying to be realistic, as much as it can be for a satirical comedy. I've had quiet a few loud laughs. And I was surprised it was actually very entertaining from the beginning to the end.
I'm thinking these bad reviews either come from the North Koreans, the Chinese or people who were expecting something on a Lord Of The Rings level masterpiece.
Watch and enjoy!
This was actually pretty okey. It wasn't some crappy humor at all, but a comedy trying to be realistic, as much as it can be for a satirical comedy. I've had quiet a few loud laughs. And I was surprised it was actually very entertaining from the beginning to the end.
I'm thinking these bad reviews either come from the North Koreans, the Chinese or people who were expecting something on a Lord Of The Rings level masterpiece.
Watch and enjoy!
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