'The Interview' Back On; Other Movies Opening on Christmas Day 2014

By Beth Dalbey (Patch Staff)

Sony Entertainment said it had approved limited distribution of ”The Interview” after facing harsh criticism it had bowed to blackmail. (Screenshot: Sony Pictures)

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A handful of theaters in the Detroit metro and Ann Arbor area plan to show “ The Interview” on Christmas Day after Sony Entertainment reversed course and approved limited distribution of the farce about an assassination plot against North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Sony had been broadly criticized by everyone from resident Obama to celebrities who tweeted their outrage on social media after the film’s Christmas Day release was cancelled amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Korean governments. Major theater chains had refused to show the film after threats of a major cyber attack against cinema-goers, limiting the options for release, Sony said

In a statement Thursday, Sony CEO Michael Lynton said the company had “stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech” and has “never given up on releasing ‘The Interview,’ ” the Associated Press reports.

The Obama administration cheered Sony’s about-face, saying it makes clear that “we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression.”

“ The people have spoken!” tweeted Seth Rogen, the film’s director and star. “Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn’t give up! The Interview will be shown at theaters willing to play it on XMas day!”

The Detroit Free Press reports that Christmas Day and other showings of the film include several in southeast Michigan:

• Christmas Day: State Theater and Quality 16 Goodrich, both in Ann Arbor; and State Wayne Phoenix Theatre in Wayne.
• Dec. 26: Alamo Drafthouse in Kalamazoo
• Jan. 2: Cinema Detroit

8 Other Movies Opening Christmas Day

“The Interview” is grabbing the headlines, but eight other movies are also set for Christmas Day release:

“ Unbroken” – Directed by Angelina Jolie, it’s the story of Olympian Louis Zamperini, who spent a harrowing 47 days in a raft with two fellow crewmen after a near fatal crash before being captured by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. Jack O’Connell, Takamasa Ishihara and Domhnall Gleeson star.

“ The Imitation Game” – In another World War II film, English mathematician and logician helps crack the Enigma code. Morten Tyldum directs and Benedict Cumberbatch, Kiera Knightly and Matthew Goode star.

“ Selma” – David Oyelowo stars as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as he prepares for the march to Selma, AL, that changed the United States forever. Ava DuVernay directs the film, which also stars Carmen Ejogo and Tim Roth.

“ Into the Woods” – For family movie-going fare, Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep and Chris Pine star n the story of a witch who tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse a curse put on their family tree. Rob Marshall is the director of the movie version of James Lapine’s classic musical. He also wrote the screenplay.

“ Big Eyes” – A biopic about the awakening of painter Margaret Keane, who achieved phenomenal success in the 1950s, and her subsequent legal difficulties with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s. Tim Burton directs the film, which stars Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz and Krysten Ritter.

“ The Gambler” – Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange and John Goodman star in this Rupert Wyatt-directed film about a literature professor and gambler who borrows money from his mother to satisfy crushing gambling debts. His relationship with one of his students further complicates the situation.

“ American Sniper” – Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saved many lives and made him an authentic American hero. When he returns back home to his wife and kids, he is unable to leave the war behind. Clint Eastwood directs the movie, which stars Bradley Cooper, Sienna MIller and E.R. Ruiz.

“ Leviathan” – Set in a Russian coastal town, “Leviathan” is the story of Kolya, who is forced to fight a corrupt mayor who plans to demolish his house. He enlists the aid of a lawyer friend to help, only bringing more misfortune for Kolya and his family. Andrey Zvyagintsev directs the movie he wrote with Oleg Negin. It stars Elena Lyadova, Vladimir Vdovichenkov and Roman Madyanov.