Why are wars started? There could be many reasons: territory, resources, power, assassinations… a comedy starring James Franco and Seth Rogen? One of the most controversial movies in the history of cinema has hit the big screen, or in most cases the small screens of laptops and home television sets.
The SONY produced film certainly raised some eyebrows, but as the American people rose up in protest, the movie was realized for streaming on websites and television sets across the United States. Due to its accessibility and low price, the movie quickly became one of SONY’s most popular online releases as millions of people streamed and downloaded the film to watch for themselves.
“[The online release] made it really simple and easy to access the movie. Also it was much cheaper which was awesome,” said junior Sayed Abbassi.
The movie opens with the showing of reports on the dangers of North Korea and their threats to attack the United States. Meanwhile, on the set of Skylark Tonight, host Dave Skylark (James Franco) interviews rap star Eminem (as himself). The banter between the two stands out in comical contrast between the other serious news reports that were just shown. This contrast foreshadows the future internal struggle faced by the producer of Skylark Tonight Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen), who questions whether being a prevalent and respectable journalist is more important than the success of his show.
The lives of Skylark and Rapoport are quickly turned upside down as the crew learns that the Dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong-un (Randall Park) is an avid fan of the show. Seeing his chance to finally become a well-respected journalist, Rapoport sets up an interview with the leader of North Korea. The CIA, learning of this, asks the two men to “take out” Kim Jong-un.
With a secret dose of poison in tow, Rapoport and Skylark head to North Korea, where they will have to overcome a series of outrageous and comical circumstances in order to complete their mission and save the world.
“I think it was a funny movie that was very wild and had many great moments… I would definitely recommend it to people,” said junior Thomas Mares.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the film’s release, it has become more than just a simple comedy film. It became a symbol of American freedom of speech and the right to express ones opinions despite the way others my receive them. People streamed the movie to see what the controversy was all about, but stayed for the unusual antics of Rogen and Franco.
“The movie really made way more controversy than was clearly intended… it really is just another quirky American comedy with great punchlines and jokes,” said Abbassi.