U.S. officials believe the North Korean government
was behind the computer hacking attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment, a
massive security breach that embarrassed several executives and led to the
cancellation of the planned Dec. 25 release of "The Interview."
The officials told NBC News the hacking attack
originated outside North Korea, but they believe the individuals behind it were
acting on orders from the North Koreans.
"We have found linkage to the North Korean
government," according to a U.S. government source.
The officials offered no further details. "The
Interview" is a comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco that depicts
the fictionalized assassination attempt on North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
Sony on Wednesday dropped its plans to release the
movie on Christmas Day after some of the country's largest theater chains said
they were holding back or dropping the movie following threats of violence made
by the same group that claimed it had hacked Sony, Guardians for Peace.
"Sony Pictures has been the victim of an
unprecedented criminal assault against our employees, our customers, and our
business," Sony said in a statement Wednesday, saying that it reached the
decision after the top cinema chains pulled out. Regal, Cinemark, Carmike and
Cineplex were among the chains that said it would not show the film on the
planned Dec. 25 premiere, citing security concerns.
The Alamo Drafthouse movie theater in Dallas, Texas is "Putting the 'F' Back in Freedom."
ReplyDeleteOn Dec 27 instead of showing the Interview they will be swapping the film with Paramount's 2004 film Team America: World Police for one free screening. Celebrating the movie's 10 anniversary starring the evil dictator Kim Jon 2. The theater added: "THAT is how true American heroes will be celebrating this year, but if you want to let the terrorists win...well, that's your prerogative."
http://drafthouse.com/movies/quote-alongs_team_america/dfw
Good for them! Lets hope for a full house!
I love that movie. Play the theme song every morning when I work in Saudi Arabia.
DeleteInteresting suggestion by a viewer of WBZ Channel 4 this AM - suggested SONY does not show the movie in theatres - but instead - releases it for free via the internet to the whole world! I think I kinda like that idea!!!
DeleteNow Paramount has pulled Team America from theaters planning to show it.
DeleteThey should make the movie available to a major network during either the Christmas or New Year’s holiday period for two showings (a la “The Sound Of Music” or “Peter Pan”) and then go to DVD and pay per view. This would allow maximum exposure and help offset some of the financial repercussions of this whole affair.
ReplyDelete