The Interview - Film Review

The Interview - Film Review

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Posted 2015-02-10 by Kevin Liepinsfollow
The Interview is little like a train wreck - you don't want to watch and yet you can't look away.

As an American action-comedy directed by by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, The Interview was surrounded in controversy in the US amid claims of hacking and violent threats. Well, 2015 and the hype has dissipated leaving only a ripple of controversy and a tsunami of curiosity.

The movie opens with Dave Skylark (James Franco), who fronts a shockingly awful, yet popular tabloid TV show 'Slylark Tonight', and his guest, a hilarious cameo from a very straight faced Eminem.

What follows is a far-fetched, but surprisingly entertaining, satirical send up set behind the lines of North Korea. After Skylark learns that North Korea's Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un (Randall Park), is a huge fan, he and producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen), set up an interview with the dictator. The pair hope to legitimise themselves as serious journalists, however the CIA rather view the opportunity as the perfect chance to attempt assassination. The dumb and dumber duo are far from competent international operatives, which sets the scene for some laugh out loud moments.



The jokes become predictable and wear thin as the movie rolls from one outrageous scene to its next, but overall there's plenty to tickle the funny bone, especially for fans of Rogen's past offerings.

I found it surprisingly better than some of the reviews out of the United States. The three starring actors are strong in the roles of totally unbelievable characters in an over the top storyline. Although the movie blatantly offends the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, it also ridicules the US media and its cult worship of celebrity and trash tabloid TV.

It's rude and crude with plenty of profanity and juvenile humour. Try to imagine Skylark meets Skyfall (aka Bond) with a touch of Dumb and Dumber and the comedic blood splattering from Monty Python's Holy Grail.



The music – particularly the powerful tones of Katy Perry – also helps soften the edges. It is a movie that doesn't take itself seriously and that is how it should be viewed, so leave your highbrow funny bone at the candy bar and go with the flow.

Whilst, for me, it is not destined to be a comedy classic, it does make for a fun comedy night out.

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing Pty Limited

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87950 - 2023-06-11 07:45:43

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