Columbus
“The Interview,” a Sony Pictures Entertainment comedy at the center of worldwide controversy about its content, will be shown at
Columbus’ YES Cinema.
The movie’s pending release earlier this month resulted in a cyberattack against Sony Pictures, an attack the U.S. government said came from North Korea. The hackers mentioned 9/11 and threatened violence if the film was allowed to open on 3,000 screens nationwide Christmas Day. Sony instead decided to release the film in more than 300 independent theaters that agreed to show the film.
The first showing in Columbus is scheduled for 3:01 p.m. Friday. The movie is expected to have showings for at least a week. Showtimes will be at 3:01, 5:30 and 8:01 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3:01 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets are $7 for evenings and $6 for matinees. Organizers have said the film will be held over beyond next week if there is enough interest among moviegoers.
“The Interview” is about an American talk show host and his producer trying to assassinate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un.
YES Cinema, an independent, nonprofit theater at Fourth and Jackson streets in downtown Columbus, rarely gets a chance to show first-run films, according to Randy Allman, who operates the facility for the local Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center. The film, with a $7 evening admission and $6 for matinees, will show in the venue’s 177-seat theater, which is the larger of two spaces.
Allman said he plans to have a little extra security, as others venues have done.
“But no, we’re not worried — not at all,” said Allman, who added that the theater has shown other films with controversial content, including “Death of a President,” highlighting a plan to kill then-President George Bush. “This is America. We have freedom of speech. But I cannot speak for the quality of the (current) film.”
On film review site rotten
tomatoes.com, the movie is described as having some pretty funny spots but is basically sophomoric.
Lincoln-Central’s Diane Doup, who works with Allman on behalf of YES, said they had gotten a number of requests last week from local residents who wanted to see the film.
“It’s definitely been the buzz,” Doup said.
The film earned $1.04 million from 331 locations Thursday, according to studio estimates reported by The Associated Press.
Film buff Debbie Seeley of Columbus said she has no plans to see it at either YES Cinema or through currently available digital download. But she supports the general idea of it being shown.
“Regardless of whether or not a film’s content is well-
done, people should have the freedom to see it,” Seeley said. “I can understand North Korea’s concern, but we shouldn’t give up our rights.”
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What: “The Interview,” a film starring Seth Rogen and James Franco.
When: Opens at 3:01 p.m. Friday (time tentative). Movie tentatively slated to run at least through Jan. 8. Showtimes are being finalized.
Where: YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St., downtown Columbus.
Tickets: $7 for evenings, $6 for matinees.
Information: online at yescinema.org or call 812-378-4937.
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