ATLANTA (WXIA) – After Sony Pictures canceled release of the controversial film "The Interview" on Wednesday, three theaters, including one in Atlanta, said they would show the film "Team America: World Police" instead – but now that won't happen.
The Alamo Drafthouse in Dallas, the Capitol Theater in Cleveland and the Plaza Theater in Atlanta had each said they would screen the 2004 film instead of "The Interview." According to a report in the Daily Beast, Paramount has banned screenings of the motion picture.
USA Today said Thursday afternoon that all tickets for the Dallas theater were quickly sold out for the quote-along version of Team America: World Police, the irreverent movie co-written by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and played out with marionettes. The Alamo Drafthouse said Thursday afternoon that showings had been canceled and that they were refunding those who had purchased tickets.
The movie, which came out in 2004, centers around Kim Jong Il, the former North Korean leader. IMDB describes it: "Popular Broadway actor Gary Johnston is recruited by the elite counter-terrorism organization Team America: World Police. As the world begins to crumble around him, he must battle with terrorists, celebrities and falling in love."
Similarly, The Interview centers around a tabloid TV personality (James Franco) and his producer (Seth Rogen) traveling to North Korea for an interview with Kim Jong Un and being tapped by the CIA to assassinate him.
At its showing of Team America, the Alamo Drafthouse promises "plenty of opportunities to scream out 'America! F— Yeah!' at the top of your lungs." The theater also says it will have American flags, red white and blue streamers and balloons for patrons.
The event's description closes: "And 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."
