"We're excited to see the movie:" Hartford theater shows "The Interview" on Christmas Day



HARTFORD (WITI) -- Despite threats from hackers over the movie "The Interview," starring Seth Rogen and James Franco, the controversial film was shown in select theaters on Christmas Day. It's also being made available for viewing online. The film can be purchased for $14.99 and rented for $5.99.

This is the premise of the film: Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show 'Skylark Tonight.' When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the most unlikely candidates, to 'take out' Kim Jong-un.

A FOX6 News crew was at Schubert's Hartford Theatre on Highway 83 in Hartford for the film's first showing on Christmas Day.

Steve Kramsky of Thiensville was at the theater to take in the first showing. He says it's the only place he wanted to be on Christmas morning.

"This is probably number one on my agenda because of the hype," Kramsky said.

That hype involved Sony Pictures cancelling the release of the film, partly due to North Korea's fury over the movie. Then, major theater chains like AMC and Regal said they wouldn't be showing the film, citing threats from hackers.

"I actually thought the whole thing was kind of silly," Kramsky said.

Eventually, Sony said it would release the film to some theaters.

"I`ve been in this business for 30 some years and I don`t remember a release date like this. I mean, release dates change -- but not where they pull it out completely and put it back in," Bill Schubert, the owner and president of Schubert Theatres Incorporated said.

Schubert says when Sony officials decided the film would be released, it was a no-brainer for him to put it on the marquee.

"I was surprised, but it made it easier for us. We needed another film and this one became available," Schubert said.

The fact that Schubert Theatre is one of only 12 theaters in the state of Wisconsin showing the film, and because it's the only theater in southeastern Wisconsin to show the film, that means more customers for Bill Schubert.

"We`re excited to see the movie and get to be one of the first people to see it!" Scott Devereux of Mequon said.

Schubert says he's not concerned about threats over the film, but he says he called the police department to let them know they would be showing the movie. An officer was sent over to the theater, just in case.

Seth Rogen showed up at a midnight screening in Los Angeles to celebrate the movie's unlikely release.



CLICK HERE to purchase or rent The Interview via YouTube.







“The Interview” is being screened at the following theaters in Wisconsin: