Sandy Kenyon reviews 'The Interview'

NEW YORK (WABC) -- In an unprecedented move, Sony Pictures broadly released "The Interview" to digital platforms Wednesday, a reversal of its previous plan not to show the film after hackers released thousands of documents online and threatened violence at theaters showing the comedy.

I saw "The Interview" just before the hack attack, and I was frankly surprised that I enjoyed this comedy as much as I did.

It's mind-boggling to think of all the attention this funny film has received in the two weeks since that screening, but none of the controversy could dampen my enjoyment of this picture.

The premise is admittedly preposterous - a dumb talk show host played by James Franco gets a shot at interviewing one of his biggest fans, who also just happens to be the communist leader of North Korea.

Seth Rogen is his not-so-savvy producer, and together they are recruited by the CIA to take out Kim Jong Un.

Agent Lacey, played by Lizzie Caplan from cable TV's "Masters of Sex," wants them to use poison for the assasination, but I'm sure you won't be surprised to learn that all does not go as expected.

The movie was apparently inspired by a very real incident a visit to the isolated country by former NBA player Dennis Rodman, and I disagree with other critics who say the comedy stalls once the guys get to Pyongyang.

Scenes featuring Dave listening to the sound system in Kim's tank made me laugh. It's silly, of course, and please keep in mind that "The Interview" is rated R, as in really raunchy. It is definitely not what you'd call a good holiday movie, and the violent ending makes it seem even more inappropriate.