LAKEWOOD – A police officer stood inside the lobby of Lakewood Cinema 8 all day Friday, a visible precaution following the delayed release of “The Interview.”

The controversial film starring Seth Rogen and James Franco was made available to moviegoers after Sony Pictures Entertainment agreed to lift its temporary ban. Screenings had been halted after numerous threats were made over the movie’s plot, which features the planned assassination of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un.

After much debate regarding the film’s release, screenings went on without a hitch Friday, said Jim White, division manager of Lakewood Cinema 8. White said Dipson Theatres, the parent company of the local theater chain, wanted officers at its locations for “safety reasons.”

“Dipson wanted to ensure that our patrons were safe while they were here,” White said. “Everything has been running very smoothly, pretty much as we expected.”

Officers of the Lakewood-Busti Police Department are scheduled to be present inside the theater through Sunday. “The Interview,” which has been made available online through numerous platforms, will be screened locally for a week.

No early showings of the movie were sold out Friday in Lakewood, though White expected some later viewings to be unavailable. Those who did see the movie in its premiere had mixed reactions. Several were asked as they left the theater Friday of their thoughts, and most agreed the film’s plot didn’t warrant its controversy.

“It was one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen,” said one patron who wished not to be indentified.

Falconer resident Jace Elderkin saw the movie online before heading to the theater to see it a second time. He said it was a “good movie overall” but felt the early ban created too much hype. “I guess I don’t understand the controversy,” Elderkin said. “I think it was just politics.”

White, meanwhile, said the online accessibility of “The Interview” might keep some moviegoers at home, but was quick to point out such outlets don’t provide a “true movie experience.” White said he plans to see the film within the next couple of days.