Sony Releases 'The Interview'

When the major theater chains pulled Seth Rogen & James Franco's film The Interview, Sony took a lot of heat, including from me. They originally said they didn't have plans to release it in an alternate way. They've changed course, with a number of theaters around the country showing it starting on Christmas Day.

The chains who pulled it are: Bow Tie Cinemas, AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex and Carmike. However, if you live near a medium sized chain (such as Alamo Drafthouse) or a locally owned theater, you might be in luck. Click here for an updated list of all the theaters showing the comedy.

Though there is even better news for those of you who aren't near a theater showing it, or are just too lazy to leave the house this Christmas, the movie will now be streaming on the cheap online through various sources. Its just $5.99 through each of the available sites. Visit theinterview-movie.com to see how you can stream it through your computer, Xbox or TV. Go ahead, its your duty as anyone living in a free country! 

Suck it, North Korea!

SONY Cancels 'The Interview'; North Korea Behind Hack?

The Interview, the new comedy poking fun at North Korea and leader Kim Jong-Un from Seth Rogen & James Franco, has been cancelled by Sony. This is following the Sony hack and 9/11-like threats against theaters showing the film. Major movie theaters dropped the film which caused Sony to just pull it altogether. Sony then announced they were not planning to release it on DVD or Streaming services.

Following news of the movie release being cancelled, an official from the US Government announced that the North Korean government was in some way behind the hack and threats to Sony. 

Am I the only one who finds it oddly amusing that two stoners have caused another international crisis between the United States and North Korea? And lets be real...what could North Korea really do to act on any threats? Launch a missile that would just break up in 3 seconds anyway?

One theater in Texas will be showing a screening of 2004's Team America: World Police, which also spoofed North Korea. The studio (Sony) and the theaters who caved in to the hackers/North Korea should be ashamed for allowing them to dicatate what we do in a free country. Sony is showing a clear lack of guts by not releasing the movie on DVD/VOD right away. I understood them pulling it from theaters once the movie theaters companies all pulled their support, but for the studio to not even release it digitally? That is a WEAK move by Sony. What a great message it would have been if Sony had just released the film for home viewing...but instead they've just backed out completely. We all know it'll leak eventually anyway, but still.

*Update* Team America has now been cancelled thanks to Paramount, because I guess these corporations are all scared and have no guts. Now, Sony has said they are looking at ways to distribute the movie. They've reversed their earlier stance which made it seem like they wouldn't release it in any formate once the theaters pulled it. But, now it looks as if they will be releasing the movie in some form, which is a smart decision. Hopefully they can get it out there soon.

'This Is The End' Red Band Trailer

"Hermione just stole all our shit." That's all you need to hear to know that This Is The End will be a great film. Seth Rogen created this apocalypse comedy, and everyone in the film actually plays themselves. It takes  place in Los Angeles, during a party at James Franco's house when the apocalypse hits and causes havoc. The movie also features Emma Watson (wielding an axe!), Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Mindy Kaling, Michael Cera, Jason Segel, Rihanna, Kevin Hart, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Paul Rudd, and Aziz Andari. Phew. I'm sure there will be more cameos as well.

Anyway, here is the second Red Band trailer, which was released first after releasing a Pineapple Express 2 April Fool's prank trailer, and everyone must watch. All I have to say is don't fuck with Emma Watson!

Academy Awards Predictions

So I might watch most of it since the Oscars seems like they are trying to make the Oscars less boring this year. I hope there are surprises, it seems like the Academy Awards are always very predictable.

Best Picture- Will Win: The King's Speech. Should Win: Toy Story 3. The King's Speech is the type of film they usually go for. An animated movie has never won before, and if Toy Story 3 doesn't win then one probably never will. With the Oscars wanting a bigger audience though, and going younger with Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosting, Toy Story 3 could be ripe for an upset that would make big headlines. They could honor the franchise that put Pixar on the map, and one of the most emotional movies of the year that famously had adults crying. Probably not though. The King's Speech will probably win, but it doesn't seem all that special. Toy Story 3 will stand the test of time, while The King's Speech may fade away like so many other Best Picture winners. [Surprising fact about this category...The Kids Are Alright is the only nominee that was filmed in Los Angeles. LA losing it's touch? Probably just too expensive to film there.]

Leading Actress- Will Win: Natalie Portman. Should Win: Natalie Portman. Black Swan deserves something and Natalie Portman is one of the reasons it was so great.

Leading Actor- Will Win: Colin Firth. Should Win: Colin Firth. Colin Firth has never won an Oscar before, and this has been the most obvious choice. Much like Sandra Bullock, he is very popular and will get his award.

The funniest Oscar moment: South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker spoof the infamous Jennifer Lopez dress.