CENTRAL FLORIDA — The controversial comedy "The Interview" debuted at movie theaters in Orange and Brevard counties Thursday without a hitch.
Moviegoers filed into theaters at Orlando’s Southchase 7 and Titusville’s Satellite Cinema 10 on Christmas for several showings.
Security was beefed up at the Titusville venue.
“We've had three police officers show up already today and we didn't call them,” Jessica Weaver, a production manager, said. “They're just kind of keeping a look out for us."
But it was business as usual at Thursday evening’s screening in Orlando, which was sold out.
A bag check was in progress at the cinema, but its management said that’s protocol for each of its screenings.
The comedy stars Seth Rogen and James Franco and has a plot that includes the assassination of North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un.
The movie’s theatrical release was originally canceled last week after major theater chains pulled the film due to threats from hackers.
Sony Pictures Entertainment later reversed its decision, permitting a limited theatrical release.
The company also streamed the film on its website as well as YouTube, Google Play and Xbox Video.
However, not everyone enjoyed the movie.
“It was terrible,” Stuart Weitzman, a local moviegoer, said. “It was just an awful movie."
WFTV
