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At least 10 theaters in the state that will be showing the controversial movie "The Interview" appear unfazed by the threats that led Sony to cancel its release.
 


Sony is now offering the film at 300 theaters across the United States.

Rick Stowell, who owns the Premiere Theatres in Cloquet, said he booked the film Tuesday when it became available.


 
"From what I hear we are one of the few within an hour drive playing it and so it'll do a little more business because of that," he said. "But then the video on demand being released at the same time might offset that as well."

Sony offering film on YouTube, other sites

Other Minnesota theaters also say it's business as usual. Few theaters are beefing up security or changing their normal routines.


A theater in International Falls has asked police to keep an eye on the cinema when the movie premieres Thursday. Chuck Wiser, manager of The Quarry Cinema in Cold Spring, said he'll warn staff to be on alert but isn't too worried.

In Cloquet, Stowell admits he originally did not book the film because he believed other Christmas releases would do better. He is not expecting any problems.


 
"We are right now having our staff Christmas party and I asked our entire staff, minutes ago, if they were concerned at all, and nobody was concerned whatsoever for security or any other things," he said. "I think there are higher priorities if something happens than Cloquet, Minnesota."

The film will also be shown at the Fargo Theater in Fargo and the Film Society of Minneapolis and St. Paul will show the film at its St. Anthony Main Theater in Minneapolis.


Society Executive Director Susan Smoluchowski said in a statement Tuesday the film is not typical of the material it usually screens, but "we made a decision to do so from a philosophical standpoint -- that of artistic freedom, creative license and defense against censorship."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Minnesota theaters showing "The Interview" say it's business as usual. Few theaters are beefing up security or changing their normal routines.

Minnesota theaters unfazed by threats surrounding 'The Interview'

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