‘The Interview’ moviegoers are making a political statement

Moviegoers spent their Christmas at local theaters, watching Sony’s new and controversial film starring James Franco and Seth Rogan. After a lot of back and forth, the film was opened to a limited release across the country, including several local theaters on the Central Coast.

“We came this morning to a matinee to watch this movie with big controversy,” Brittney Pflueger said. “It was completely packed so we have to see a later movie.”

Many people packing into theaters for ‘The Interview.’ It’s a comedy centered around two journalists who plan to interview North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, when the CIA asks them to ‘take him out.’ The film angered North Korea, and according to the FBI, prompted hackers there to attack Sony Pictures.

The treat of more cyberattacks, even something more sinister, couldn’t stop moviegoers at Osio Cinemas in Monterey. Some even stopped by on Christmas Eve to buy tickets to the Christmas Day showing.

“The first ones were pretty much sold out,” Jirko Senkel, general manager of Osio said. “We’ve sold a lot of tickets for other shows today.”

Moviegoers say they’re making a political statement with every movie ticket stub.

“It looks like a funny movie and I don’t like anybody telling me I can’t do something,” Les Zielinski said.

“I find it horrific that we would let somebody change our way of life in any way,” Loni McCallum said.

Before the box office release, ‘The Interview’ was also available for viewing online through Youtube, Google Play and Microsoft’s Xbox store. At last check, more than 87,000 people ‘liked’ it on Youtube.

‘The Interview’ will be shown at Osio Cinemas until January 1 at the very least. It’s also showing at Del Mar in Santa Cruz and in Scott’s Valley.