The Interview – 2.5/5 – Movie Reviews by Ry!
The Interview – 2.5/5 – A movie built around controversy, a film that shouldn’t have had any kind of conflict, because it is just a movie. The reason this film had been pulled from its theatrical release is because of the outlandish premise. There were threats, hackings, and so much ‘non film’ related news. After watching it for myself, this kind of comedy got more publicity then it usually would have had. The Interview (at its core) is just another ‘run of the mill’ comedy, which combines a unique twist that makes it somewhat entertaining, but obviously a predictable tale you expect.
Premise: Two tabloid fixtures are task with the most improbable mission, as they head to the most dangerous country in the world to give the interview of a lifetime.
In the two main leads you have:
Seth Rogen as Aaron Rapaport (Producer)
James Franco as Dave Skylark (TV Host)
These two have been part of many great comedies, and their chemistry is never at fault. The most endearing part as well as the funniest parts of the film is when these two are together on screen. As a duo, there comical timing is impeccable, and the bantering with each other creates some funny moments. You sometimes forget that they are just playing roles on the big screen. Franco does a great job in creating a dumfounded but funny TV personality. Skylark is a person that is dimwitted but charming at the same time. On the other hand, Rogen does just a good job in creating a straight lace producer for this TV personality. He has a different kind of mindset, one that is more mature but unsatisfied with his current role. As Aaron Rapport, he is battling the conflict of wanting to produce news, but also do something more than just being another ‘tabloid’ kind of news reel. In films that deal in this kind of comedy, you always have the fool/straight-lace duo that keeps the film on a standard keel. Opposite these two, you have some great supporting cast. As you have as followed:
Lizzy Caplan as Agent Lacey
Randall Park as Kim Jong-un
Diana Bang as Sook
There are a few others, but these are the main ones in the supporting cast. Out of the three, the obvious one is Randall Park as Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. With no real comparison to the actual real leader, Park does a great job in creating a unique individual. Outside of the physical attributes, the personality he puts forth is someone that is menacing but charming at the same time. You have personality depth in his character, but also know there is a layer of contriving thoughts within his words. His brutality is obvious, but it is layered with a person that has ‘issues’ with being a leader. That is somewhat new to see in this kind of comedy, but also a welcome twist that adds to the film’s enjoyment. The other two do a good job in being ‘supporting’ characters, but don’t add any real dynamic to the main leads or story.
As mentioned, this film follows a generic kind of plot with a twist. It is the basic ‘two guys set up against unrealistic odds’ that is mixed with ‘comical hijinx and juvenile humor’. That is the basic thread of this film. Here you have Skylark and Rapaport who are leading a typical kind of tabloid style TV show. After hitting the 1000 TV show mark, Rapaport wants to do more than the show gives. Queue in ‘convenient’ plot device when the leader of North Korea contacts the producer. He is informed that the leader wants to do any interview with Dave Skylark. From here, the film’s initial setup is a mixture of that typical comical hijinx you find from these two guys, as they mix together juvenile one-liners with raunchy situations. Everything seems to be going down another typical throw away comedy, till another ‘plot’ element is injected within the story. The CIA arrives at their door; as they come to task them with ‘assassinating’ the leader of North Korea. From here, that added element props up some of the predictable one-liners and cliché comical setups, allowing stand out hilarious moments within the typical shtick from Rogen and Franco. Even with the added element and their arrival in North Korea; the moments unfold in the typical ‘A leads to B’ concept. The predictable nature does hamper some of the enjoyment, but the comedy duo as well as the added element of the Leader of North Korea helps ease some of the stale storytelling. Once the film hits the final act, there is a mixture of some ridiculous action with an entertaining but funny climax, but everything turns out to be exactly what you thought it would end up be. In the end, this film is basically what you thought it is, but it does standout for some obvious hilarious moments.
The visuals aren’t anything that standout within a film, especially a comedy film. The pluses are the creation of North Korea, but some of it is very cliché setups for ‘story oriented’ elements more than visuals ques. The score is what propels some of the comical situations, but they also add to the predictable element of the film. When you hear certain songs, the expected notion is what you get.
The Interview has that typical ‘run of the mill’ comedy feel, but with a unique twist and other elements this film does have some enjoying moments. In the end, The Interview does have enough to stand up and be funny on its own merits. I suggest this film to fans of the comical styles of the Rogan type; otherwise just pass on this film.