Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Interview is a controversial comedy that was co-written and co-directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and stars Rogen and James Franco as a producer and talk show host tasked with assassinating North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Reportedly due to the movie's subject matter, distributor Sony Pictures was the victim of a huge Internet hack, which they were led to believe was the work of terrorists. Under pressure and responding to threats, Sony first opted to pull the movie but shortly after decided to release it in a limited theatrical run and on VOD. The extra publicity has made the movie quite famous, and parents should know that teens may very well want to sneak a peek. Those who do will be met with extreme foul language and strong sexual innuendo, as well as brief nudity (breasts, bottoms, etc.) and simulated sex acts. It also has several scenes of blood and gore, shooting, fighting, and explosions, many of which are played for laughs but are still graphic. There are also some scenes of drug use (Ecstasy) and brief drinking, as well as a reference to smoking pot.
Sexual
Content
A sex act, thrusting, no nudity. Brief scene of topless women. Kissing, foreplay. A man's naked bottom. Another man naked, but no sensitive parts shown. Men ogle a woman's cleavage. References to porn. Strong, constant innuendo.
Violence
A dying man shoots himself; blood comically splatters everywhere (treated comically). Characters bite fingers off three times, with spurting blood. Guns are fired. Fighting, chases, explosions. Threat of tiger attack; tiger killed by falling projectile. Threat of nuclear missiles.
Language
Extreme, constant strong language, including "f--k," "motherf----r," "s--t," "bitch," "whore," "hell," "c--ksucker," "c--k," "Jesus f--k," "taint," "goddamn," "c--t," "p---y," "vagina," "butt," "anus," "boner," "chub," "jerk off," "douche," "pee," "poo," "camel toe," and "d--k."
Social
Behavior
For a time, it looks as though the movie might be promoting peace and understanding between cultures. But in the end, death, destruction, and blatant manipulation rule the day.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Characters take Ecstasy and have a wild night that ends in a hangover. Some drinking. Mention of smoking pot. A cigar.