The Department of Homeland Security, not known for soft-pedaling the possibility of terrorist actions, says there is “no credible info” that the Sony hackers pose a physical threat to people attending screenings of “The Interview,” which as of this writing, still opens on December 25. But several of the nation’s largest theater chains, including AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, Carmike and Bow Tie, have canceled plans to show the film anyway. Although no movie is worth taking the risk that lives might be lost, this seems a lot like caving in to the demands of criminals, and cynics — okay, I — have suggested that the corporations involved might be more concerned about the security of their data, or their stock price, than the welfare of their patrons and employees. The reaction to the decision was swift, and often pretty funny. Here’s some of the best so far.
Update: Sony has canceled the theatrical release of “The Interview.” Yay.
The choice between letting the terrorists win or going to see “The Interview” may be the very definition of rock and hard place.
— Michael Gold (@migold) December 17, 2014
We may have to go to Cuba to see THE INTERVIEW, guys. When God closes a door, He opens a window.
— John Gholson (@gholson) December 17, 2014
I kind of want all movies to be about assassinating Kim Jong-un now. Like, Into the Woods should end with the Witch cursing him or something
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 17, 2014
Worried about the prospects for my new film,”Abbot and Costello Fuck North Korea’s Mom.”
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) December 17, 2014
The cinemas bowing out of showing THE INTERVIEW should have to fill the vacant screens with a James Franco-directed film of his choosing.
— Guy Lodge (@GuyLodge) December 17, 2014
Is turning a dumb Hollywood farce into an international incident the culmination of James Franco’s performance art career?
— Andrew O’Hehir (@andohehir) December 17, 2014
If our country had any balls we’d project #TheInterviewMovie down onto North Korea from space.
— Krister Johnson (@KristerJohnson) December 17, 2014
@SamuelAAdams Maybe the terrorists win if we spend all our damn time obsessing over what we should do to keep the terrorists from winning.
— Zack Handlen (@zhandlen) December 17, 2014
What we should do to deal with the North Koreans’ inability to deal with social satire is cook and eat all their babies.
— Scott Renshaw (@scottrenshaw) December 17, 2014
The theater chains that won’t let me into a press screening without wanding me with a metal detector, checking my bag and … (1/2)
— James Rocchi (@jamesrocchi) December 17, 2014
… often taking my cell phone are not willing to do any of that for a movie-going public under threat of danger? That’s madness. (2/2)
— James Rocchi (@jamesrocchi) December 17, 2014
What the people of Syria, Nigeria, CAR & Pakistan would give to have threats on their lives with such farcical credibility as this!
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) December 17, 2014
Just how much a few companies control the majority of film distribution is really on display today. This is an issue beyond hackers.
— Kevin Jagernauth (@jag24fps) December 17, 2014
really hope every independent film company looks at what Sony is doing here & is like “nope”
— Michael Lieberman (@michaelagrammar) December 17, 2014
step 1. multiplexes pull The Interview.
step 2. indie cinemas show it allllll fucking day and no one gets hurt because duh.
step 3. $$$$$$
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) December 17, 2014
Don’t confuse being baited into consumerism with standing up to terrorism.
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) December 17, 2014
Are you volunteering to head over there and help them protect their servers so that their employees’ data is secure? Oh you’re not? K.
— Merrill (@HeyMerrill) December 17, 2014
Hello, this is North Korea. We have hacked Mike Ryan’s account. Please destroy all copies of A Million Ways to Die in the West or else.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2014
Hi, again, North Korea here. We don’t want any more Transformers movies either. If any more come out, you’re gonna get it.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) December 17, 2014
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