Top 15 Movies Filmed in Minnesota, USA by US Box Office

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Lights, Camera, Action! Get ready for a reel adventure in good ol’ Minnesota!

Lights, Camera, Minnesota: Explore the Filming Locations of Iconic Movies

Lights, Camera, Minnesota! Get ready to delve into the movie magic that has graced the land of 10,000 lakes. If you’re a sucker for films and find yourself craving a little excitement, we’ve got the perfect idea for you.

Imagine strolling through the scenes where your favorite movies were filmed, soaking up the atmosphere, and experiencing the thrill of being part of something special. With our curated list of movies filmed in Minnesota, you can turn your daydream into a reality. So grab your popcorn, tighten your seatbelt, and let’s begin this cinematic joyride together!

Key Takeaways:

  • Uncover the real-life backdrops of beloved movies
  • Immerse yourself in the on-screen magic, and feel like a star
  • Discover hidden gems and untapped adventures in Minnesota
  • Experience the thrill of being part of something extraordinary

Lights, camera, Minnesota! Ever wondered what it’s like to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood stars? Visiting movie filming locations isn’t just reserved for the rich and famous, but for adventurers like you who seek delightful escapades.

As you explore the streets and neighborhoods where your favorite scenes were brought to life, you’ll find yourself reliving those moments with a burst of adrenaline. Picture yourself standing on the very spot where Tom Hanks uttered those iconic words, “You’ve got mail” or reenacting a scene from a cult classic. Who knows, you might even discover hidden treasures and local legends that didn’t make it to the silver screen!

Minnesota’s movie magic extends beyond the locations themselves. As you explore the state, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes that served as the backdrop for epic battles, heart-pounding chase scenes, and heartwarming romances. From serene lakes to lush forests, the enchanting beauty of Minnesota will captivate your imagination and make you feel like you’re living inside a picturesque movie set.

But wait, there’s more! While you’re out and about in Minnesota, why not make a pit stop at some of the iconic landmarks that have become synonymous with these films?

Take a selfie with the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture from the cult favorite “Fargo,” or pay homage to the mighty ‘Mighty Ducks’ statue in St. Paul. These quirky additions to your itinerary will not only make for great Instagram moments but also create lasting memories that will make your friends green with envy.

Lights, camera, Minnesota! The world of movies awaits you. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters and experience their adventures firsthand. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, a travel bug, or simply seeking a unique way to spend your time, visiting movie filming locations in Minnesota is an exciting and unforgettable adventure.

Come and discover the magic that lingers in every corner, the stories that echo through time, and the landscapes that have made cinema history. Get ready to write your own blockbuster experience!

Lights, camera, Minnesota! It’s time to get starstruck and embark on an adventure like no other. Explore the movies filmed in Minnesota and be transported to the bewitching world of cinema. Whether you’re seeking thrills, romance, laughter, or drama, these iconic film locations have it all. So pack your bags, grab your popcorn, and let the silver screen guide you on an extraordinary journey. Start exploring now!

The Mighty Ducks – US Box Office: USD$50,752,337

Director: Stephen Herek

Main Cast: Emilio Estevez,  Joss Ackland Hans, Heidi Kling, Josef Sommer

Release Date: October 2, 1992 

Filming Locations: Peavey Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Mickey’s Diner – 36 W. 7th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; New Hope, Minnesota, USA; 7901 Cedar Avenue, South Bloomington, Minnesota, USA; Rice Park, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) is Minneapolis’s bold but successful defense attorney. He celebrated his thirty-year birthday but was arrested for DUI. He was sentenced to 500 hours of community service. Then he became the local “District 5” Pee-Wee hockey team coach.  His childhood memories still haunt him. He is actually the star player of a championship hockey game and lost the game before. Gordon was initially very reluctant. But he eventually earned the kids’ respect and taught them how to win. He even secured their sponsors and named the team “Ducks” along the way. In the championship game, they played against Gordon’s former team. Gordon’s former coach led it. It feels like Gordon has the chance to confront the ghost of his past.

Famous quotes:

Gordon Bombay: “I didn’t have a choice; we’re being sponsored.”

Gordon Bombay: “Hey, you don’t wanna be Ducks? Had you rather be in District Five? Some stupid number?”

Peter Mark: “Better than some stupid animal.”

Gordon Bombay: “I’ll have you know, Peter, that the Duck is one of the noblest, most agile, and most intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom.”

Guy Germaine: “They don’t even have teeth.”

Gordon Bombay: “Neither do hockey players. Have you guys ever seen a flock of ducks flying in perfect formation? It’s beautiful. Pretty awesome the way they all stick together. Ducks never say die. Have they ever seen a duck fight? No way. Why? Because the other animals are afraid. They know they must deal with the whole flock if they mess with one duck. I’m proud to be a Duck, and I’d be proud to fly with any one of you. So how about it? Who’s a Duck?”

Sequel: D2: The Mighty Ducks

Fun facts about The Mighty Ducks:

  • The original Mighty Ducks premise is much darker. Some comedy follows a former NHL player turned alcoholic who gets revenge on his old coach by coaching against him. When Disney bought the movie rights, the main idea was still there. Still, some elements changed (like Bombay is now a lawyer, never played in the NHL., and had to do community service for a DUI), including a greater emphasis on comedy and toning.
  • Adam Banks is often called the “cake eater.” This term is known throughout Minnesota. It refers to people living in the city of Edina, a suburb of Minneapolis. A cake eater is a person who is rich enough to have his cake and eat it too. It also implies that the city wins so many tournaments that it always takes home the cake!

D2: The Mighty Ducks – US Box Office: USD$45,610,410

Director: Sam Weisman

Main Cast: Emilio Estevez, Kathryn Erbe, Michael Tucker, Jan Rubes, Carsten Nørgaard, Maria Ellingsen, Joshua Jackson, Elden Henson.

Release Date: March 25, 1994

Filming Locations: Kramarczuk’s Sausage Company, 215 E Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, California, USA; Camp Snoopy, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Adams Apartments – 500 S 10th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: He is always a minor-league standout. Gordon Bombay is a former Pee-wee hockey coach. He is expected to make it to the National Hockey League. However, a knee injury that ends his career forces him to return to Minneapolis’ Blakeville neighborhood. The opportunity to lead a squad competing in the Junior Goodwill Games in Los Angeles is presented to Bombay. In comparison, the Hawks attempted to get retribution for their humiliating loss two years earlier. Bombay brings back most of his former Ducks players. Fulton and their schemes imprison them while still in their underwear. There are several former Ducks on Team USA. The five new players have unique skills.

Famous quotes:

Dwayne: “Where I come from, we treat ladies with respect!”

Connie: “Thank you, Dwayne, but I’m no lady. I’M A DUCK!”

Russ Tyler: “Hey, Goldberg! I bet if that puck were a cheeseburger, you’d stop it! Ha-ha-ha!”

Fulton: “[after viewing Russ’s signature shot] What the heck kinda shot was that?”

Russ Tyler: “Ah, you like that, huh?”

Russ Tyler: “That’s my knuckle-puck. It’s hard to be accurate, but it drives goalies crazy.”

Sequel: D3: The Mighty Ducks

Fun fact about D2: The Mighty Ducks:

  • The scene in which the Mumbai coach conducts a team sprint after the first game against Iceland is based on Herb Brooks’ 1980. The US Olympic team was tying the Norwegian national team in an exhibition game. Although the rink manager turned off the lights, the team skated for about an hour. Joss Ackland could not reprise the role of Hans, who was replaced in the film by Hans’ brother Jan Rubes. Hans doesn’t appear in the movie because he has returned to Germany to visit his mother.

Fargo – US Box Office: USD$24,611,975

Director: Ethan Coen and  Joel Coen 

Main Cast: Frances McDormand,  William H. Macy,  Steve Buscemi,  Peter Stormare,  Kristin Rudrud

Release Date: April 25, 1996

Filming Locations: Grafton, North Dakota, USA; Fargo, North Dakota, USA; Embers Restaurant – 7525 Wayzata Boulevard, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, USA; Hitching Post Motel, Forest Lake, Minnesota, USA; Edina City Hall – 4801 W. 50th Street, Edina, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Jerry is a financially troubled man working at his father-in-law’s car dealership. He tried various schemes to get the funds he needed. It must be said that the huge amount of money he stole from the dealer is about to be discovered by his father-in-law. When all else fails, he plans to kidnap his wife, and he hires two men to do it. He wanted his father-in-law to pay a ransom for her daughter (who doesn’t seem to have time to take care of his son-in-law). Everything went wrong from the moment of the kidnapping. What was supposed to be non-violent turned bloody, with more blood added every minute? Jerry was in trouble because of the bloodshed. The pregnant Brainerd, Minnesota’s sheriff, determined to solve three murders in her jurisdiction. Will she be able to arrest Jerry?

Famous quotes:

Marge Gunderson: “[to Gaear] So, that was Mrs. Lundegaard on the floor there. And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper. And those three people in Brainerd. And for what? For a little bit of money?”

Marge Gunderson: “There’s more to life than a little money, you know. Don’t know that? And here you are, and it’s a beautiful day. Well. I don’t understand it.”

Marge Gunderson: “Say, Lou, didya hear the one about the guy who couldn’t afford personalized plates, so he went and changed his name to J3L2404?”

Mr. Mohra: “So, I’m tendin’ bar there at Ecklund and Swedlin’s last Tuesday, and this little guy’s drinkin’, and he says, “So where can a guy find some action? I’m goin’ crazy out there at the lake.” And I say, “What kinda action?” and he says, “Woman action, what do I look like?” And I say, “Well, what do I look like? I don’t arrange that kinda thing,” and he says, “But I’m goin’ crazy out there at the lake,” and I say, “Well, this ain’t that kinda place.”

Mr. Mohra: “So he angrily says, “Oh, I get it, so you think I’m some kinda crazy jerk for askin’!” only he doesn’t use the word “jerk.”

Sequel: The Big Lebowski

Fun fact about Fargo:

  • Joel Coen asked Frances McDormand and John Carroll Lynch to come up with backstories for their characters to understand ​​their feelings. They decided that Norm and Marge met while working at the police department, and when they got married, they had to choose who to fire. When Maggie was a better officer, Norm quit and started painting. The snowplow that drove past the motel at the movie’s end was not in the script. Signs posted in the area warned drivers not to move to the filming, but the state employee ignored them.

D3: The Mighty Ducks – Box Office: USD$22,955,097

Director: Robert Lieberman

Main Cast: Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Nordling,  David Selby,  Heidi Kling, Joshua Jackson, Joss Ackland

Release Date: October 4, 1996 

Filming Locations: Northfield, Minnesota, USA; Mickey’s Diner – 36 W. 7th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Cretin-Derham Hall High School – 550 South Albert Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Shattuck-St. Mary’s School – 1000 Shumway Avenue, Faribault, Minnesota, USA; Camp Snoopy, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: After the Ducks win the Junior Goodwill Games, they will receive a junior hockey scholarship to Eden College. It is a prestigious prep school coached by Gordon Bombay. Much to Charlie’s dismay, Bombay announced his resignation as coach in favor of the Junior Goodwill Games. Former Minnesota Polaris player Ted Orion looks for Bombay’s place. At first, the Ducks clashed with Orion’s disciplined coaching tactics and how much he focused on defense. The team plays defense based on Julia’s high-scoring performance. The previously used strategy takes captain Charlie Conway’s advice for the game. But the command will no longer work. He was right, and in their first game, the Ducks were embarrassingly tied. They lose a nine-goal lead to their cheater’s opponent after an early lead. Orion was angry but made a valid point, saying the Ducks can’t dominate every game and need to learn to play “two-way hockey” instead of choking late in the game.

Famous quotes:

Coach Orion: “Defense. See, unlike scoring, the defense never quits, but to play great defense, you need one thing above all else.”

Lester Averman: “[sarcastically to Goldberg] Bet it starts with a “W.”

Coach Orion: “Confidence. Listen, if you learn nothing else when you’re here, you learn this. All right? Because it’s not just about hockey. It’s easy to be confident when you have control of the puck. It’s very difficult to keep that confidence when you gotta take whatever strange bounces life throws your way.”

Coach Orion: “Don’t be careless, but don’t be too careful. You cannot be afraid to lose. That’s how you gain the confidence to attack the game when the puck isn’t yours. That’s how you attack life even when you think you don’t have any control. And that’s how you play real defense.”

Gordon Bombay: “I was like you, Charlie. I was a total hotshot when I played hockey, trying to take control of every game. I wound up quitting. So I tried the law—same thing. I rule in the courtroom, but inside, I’m a mess. I started drinking. Man, I was going down, but then this great thing happened. Maybe the best thing ever. I got arrested and sentenced to community service. And there you were, Charlie and the Ducks. And as hard as I fought it, there you were. You gave me a life, Charlie, and I want to thank you. I told Orion about all this when I talked to him about taking over. I told him that you were the heart of the team and that you would learn something from each other. I told him that you were the real Minnesota Miracle Man.”

Gordon Bombay: “[nods] I did. So be that man, Charlie. Be that man.”

Fun fact about D3: The Mighty Ducks:

  • In this film, Scott White plays the role of Scott. In D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994), he played Icelandic ice hockey player Gunnar Stahl. When Coach Orion kicked Charlie off the team after an “unofficial” JV/varsity dispute, Fulton was the only player to leave the team with Charlie. It’s fitting since Fulton and Charlie were the first two players to agree to duck in the first movie. They were also the only two players in the match who were forced to leave when the rest of the team left Mumbai in the first film.

Joe Somebody – US Box Office: USD$22,771,646

Director: John Pasquin

Main Cast: Tim Allen, Julie Bowen, Kelly Lynch, Greg Germann, Hayden Panettiere, Patrick Warburton

Release Date: December 21, 2001

Filming Locations: Crystal, Minnesota, USA; North Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Central Lutheran School, 775 Lexington Parkway, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Grumpy’s Bar & Grill – 2200 4th Street NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Joe Sheffer felt depressed. His ex-wife divorced him and didn’t get promoted. He didn’t get the award he deserved as a talented audio-visual expert. Almost everyone on the team overlooked him. Fortunately for him, his daughter Natalie sees the world of her father. She supports him no matter what. Joe takes Natalie to his workplace on “Take Your Daughter to Work” Day. In the car, Joe talks to her daughter about the importance of following her dreams.  While parking in a good parking spot, he was hit by an SUV driven by his colleague Mark McKinney. The parking lot was reserved for employees who had been with the company for at least ten years. Joe decided to confront McKinney about his right to claim the parking spot. When Joe refused to back down from his position, McKinney verbally and physically assaulted him in front of his young daughter and coworkers. After the incident, Joe fell into a state of self-pity. He refused to work and was ashamed to see his daughter. He drank heavily almost every day. Will Joe become happy again and get back to his life?

Famous quotes:

Joe: “That’s Mark McKinney! He’s a seven-year employee. What’s he doing in the ten-year lot?”

Natalie Scheffer: “Maybe he’s gonna stand around for another three years.”

Meg Harper: “You have a panic attack. Do you know what that means?”

Joe: “It sounds pretty self-explanatory.”

Natalie Scheffer: “HEY, that guy is an ass-wipe!”

Sequel:  For Richer or Poorer

Fun fact about Joe Somebody:

  • Patrick Warburton and Tim Allen voiced the animated characters Buzz Lightyear from Star Command. The film also references Buzz’s line from the original Toy Story (1995) “You’re a sad, weird little guy.” Halfway through the martial arts shoot, Tim Allen suffered a painful bruise on his arm. So he accidentally starts wearing pads in the middle of the story.

Ice Castles – US Box Office: USD$20,710,000

Director: Donald Wyre

Main Cast: Lynn-Holly Johnson,  Robby Benson,  Colleen Dewhurst, Tom Skerritt, Jennifer Warren,  Marcus Winston

Release Date: December 31, 1978

Filming Locations: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Williams Arena – 1901 4th St SE, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Met Center – 7901 Cedar Avenue, South Bloomington, Minnesota, USA; South St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Waverly, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Lexie Winston is a 16-year-old from the small town of Waverly, Iowa. She is a gifted figure skater because she loves the sport. Lexie is guided locally by her friend Beulah Smith. She is the wife of a local ice rink complex in a mature bowling alley. Twenty years ago, Beulah was also a regional champion in her figure skating days. She realized she could only teach Lexie so much compared to a world-class coach. Lexie’s widowed father, Marcus Winston, was persuaded to let Lexie compete in the Upper Great Lakes for the first time by Beulah. But Marcus had refused to let Lexi compete in competitive skating. He believed that it would just pressure his daughter. Lexi must muster the courage to decide what to do against the odds because there will be more in the future.

Famous quotes:

Charlie: “It beats the hell out of me. Hey, what are *you* doin’ home?”

Nick Peterson: “Beats the hell out of me.”

Charlie: “Hey, Beulah, rack them up! Come on!”

Les: “Hey! Nick, what the hell are *you* doin’ here?”

Nick Peterson: “[grabbing her into a hug and allowing her to spin him around] Ohhh.”

Beulah Smith: “Hey, that was the fastest pre-med course in history!”

Sequel: Ice Castles

Fun facts about Ice Castles:

  • The regional championship game scene features actual referees and music coordinators from USA Figure Skating.
  • Initially, the producers wanted to cast a well-known actress in the lead role of Lexi Winston and use real-life skaters as assistants in the difficult skating scenes. However, they quickly discovered that despite the best editing and cinematography, the differences between actors and doubles were stark, especially when the choreography required a lot of close-ups and mid-shots.

With Honors – US Box Office: USD$20,016,254

Director: Alek Keshishian

Main Cast: Joe Pesci,  Brendan Fraser, Moira Kelly, Patrick Dempsey, Josh Hamilton

Release Date: April 29, 1994 

Filming Locations: University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, USA; Chicago, Illinois, USA; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois, USA; Massachusetts, USA

Main Plot: Montgomery “Monty” Kessler is a government major at Harvard University. He shares a house with his friends. A power outage wipes out the hard drive in Monty’s computer as he works on his dissertation. He actually lives in a community where people are doubtful of government aid. While rushing to type a copy of his dissertation, he crossed the street and accidentally broke his leg. He threw his dissertation into the boiler room below Widener Library. Monty finds a homeless man who looks more like the writer Walt Whitman. That man burns his thesis from page to page. Mandy calls the university police and arrests the man. At the courthouse, Monty learns the man’s name is Simon Wilder. Simon denies the most serious accusations labeled against him.  Monty is made to pay the price for the humiliation. Although Simon is mad at Monty, they make a deal. For every favor Monty does, Simon will return a page of his dissertation. Monty takes Simon home. Will Monty get back his dissertation?

Famous quotes:

Simon Wilder: “You asked the question, sir. Now let me answer it. The beauty of the Constitution is that it can always be changed. The beauty of the Constitution is that it makes no set law other than faith in the wisdom of ordinary people to govern themselves.”

Professor Pitkannan: “Faith in the wisdom of the people is exactly what makes the Constitution incomplete and crude.”

Simon Wilder: “Crude? No, sir. Our “founding parents” were pompous, white, middle-aged farmers but also great men. Because they knew one thing that all great men should know: that they didn’t know everything; sure, they’d make mistakes, but they made sure to leave a way to correct them. The president is not an “elected king,” no matter how many bombs he can drop. Because the “crude” Constitution doesn’t trust him. He’s just a bum, okay, Mr. Pitkannan? He’s just a bum.”

Monty: “Simon wrote his obituary and asked me to read it. “Simon B. Wilder bit it on Wednesday.”Monty: “He saw the world out of the porthole of a leaky freighter, was a collector of memories, and interrupted a lecture at Harvard. In 50 years on earth, he did only one thing he regretted. He is survived by his family: Jeff Hawks, who always remembers to flush; Everett Calloway, who knows how to use words; Courtney Blumenthal, who is strong and also knows how to love; and by Montgomery Kessler, who will graduate life with honor, and without regret.”

Sequel: School Ties

Fun fact about With Honors:

  • When the film was shot in the winter of 1993-1994, Harvard Square and all of Boston already had at least a meter of snow. But since the snow itself didn’t look “real” enough to photograph, it was all removed and replaced with artificial snow. Six great British actors applied for the role of Professor Pete Kannan. Still, Joe Pesci turned them down because he wanted a great American actor to play the part.

Untamed Heart – US Box Office: USD$18,898,806

Director: Tony Bill

Main Cast: Paige Turco, David Warner, Michelan Sisti, Leif Tilden

Release Date: February 12, 1993

Filming Locations: 1535 Jefferson Street Northeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Joe’s Coffee Shop – 326 Central Ave SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Nicollet Island, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Caroline is a 20-year-old waitress at Jim’s Coffee and Bakery in Minneapolis. She falls in love too easily with losers, even though they often break her heart. It was when someone saved her from an accident late that autumn evening.  For the first time, Caroline saw the care of the cafe’s humble and quiet waiter, Adam. Despite not wanting to tell anyone, not even her best friend, Caroline slowly let Adam into her life. Over time, Caroline started to know Adams’ real life. She discovered why he is a loner with no family or friends. Although she has reservations about one of his stories. She finally fell in love with him, as he had always been with her. It wasn’t until another incident that Caroline learned the truth behind the story she had reservations about. The discovery puts them both at a crossroads. But Adam would rather risk his life than lose Caroline’s love.

Famous quotes:

Caroline: “He doesn’t make sense. I don’t make sense. Together, we make sense.”

Caroline: “I am going to fall in love with you. You don’t have to love me back. I am going to give you my heart.”

Caroline: “What’s your dog’s name?”

Adam: “I don’t know. He never told me.”

Caroline: “He was like an angel, you know? I never knew life could be like that. He was the one thing I followed through in my life, the one I didn’t give up on. I was good at loving him.”

Caroline: “You love with your mind and soul, not actually with your heart. It’s just a saying.”

Sequel: Bed Of Roses

Fun fact about Untamed Heart:

  • To help her learn her Minneapolis accent, Marisa Tomei requires her driver to be a city resident. He was fired when she knew the first driver was from New Jersey, and the second driver was fired when she learned he was from Texas. Before it went into production, it was a very hot property, with stars such as Geena Davis, Demi Moore, and Brad Pitt running for roles. Madonna was particularly interested in the film and worked hard to lobby Jason Patrick for the lead role. But when the studio decided to work with William Baldwin, she eventually dropped out of rehearsals, even though Christian Slater ironically had a role in the finished film.

North Country – US Box Office: USD$18,337,722

Director: Niki Caro

Main Cast: Charlize Theron, Jeremy Renner, Frances McDormand, Thomas Curtis, Elle Peterson

Release Date: October 21, 2005

Filming Locations: Chisholm, Minnesota, USA; Eveleth, Minnesota, USA; Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; Virginia, Minnesota, USA; Silver City, New Mexico, USA

Main Plot: Josey Aimes left her abusive husband, Wayne. In 1989 she moved back to her hometown in Northern Minnesota with her two kids, Sammy and Karen. Josey also decided to work in the mine after meeting with his old friend Gloria Dodge. While working in the mines made her father, Hank Eames, uncomfortable. Her father and other workers believe she’s taking a man’s job. Hank always thought that his daughter was problematic because she was single and got pregnant in high school. Josey’s evangelical mother, Alice Ames, supported her husband. She generally thought of traditional male and female roles. Josey and her fellow miners were frequently the targets of emotional, physical, and sexual harassment from their male coworkers. As for the problems Josey found, any apparent progress was just a tactic to lull women into a false sense of security or make it harder for them to fall. Unable to bear the abuse, Josey sued the company for sexual harassment.

Famous quotes:

Hank Aimes: “My name is Hank Aimes, and I’ve been a miner all my life. And I’ve never been ashamed of it until now. When we take our wives and daughters to the company barbecue, I don’t hear them calling them names like bitches and whores or worse. I don’t see anyone grab them by their privates or draw pictures of them on the bathroom walls. It’s unspeakable. Unspeakable! So what’s changed? She’s still my daughter! It’s a heck of a thing to watch one of your own get treated that way. You’re all supposed to be my friends, my brothers. Right now, I don’t have a friend in this room. The only one I’m not ashamed of is my daughter.”

Bill White: “What are you supposed to do when the ones with all the power are hurting those with none? Well, for starters, you stand up. Stand up and tell the truth. You stand up for your friends. You stand up even when you’re all alone. You stand up.”

Josey Aimes: “You act like I’m stealing. I work damn hard every day, same as you.”

Hank Aimes: “Oh, now you’re the same as me.”

Josey Aimes: “Oh no, there are a few differences. You don’t go to work scared of what they write about you on the walls or what kind of disgusting thing you might find in your locker. You don’t gotta be scared that one of these days you’ll come to work and get raped.”

Sequel: Young Adult 

Fun facts about North Country:

  • Hosea Ames, modeled after Lois Jenson, began working in the mines in 1975 and endured 13 years of harassment before filing her first lawsuit. Jensen Eveleth Mines settled in 1998, ten years after the initial submission, more than two decades after the harassment began.
  • Charlize Theron reacts to a crowd at a union meeting without rehearsing, so it feels real. Since the questions were not scripted, it took Richard Jenkins nearly five minutes to silence them. Theron was so uncomfortable in the scene that she broke out in hives.

Take This Job and Shove It – US Box Office: USD$17,569,027

Director: Gus Trikonis

Main Cast: Robert Hays, Art Carney,  Barbara Hershey, David Keith, Tim Thomerson

Release Date: May 15, 1981

Filming Locations: Dubuque, Iowa, USA; Potosi, Wisconsin, USA; Dickeyville, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: A joint force called the Ellison Group bought four breweries, all of which were in financial trouble. Enter Frank McLean (Robert Hayes), a young executive hired by Ellison. This is to help restructure one of the struggling breweries that is a major employer in his hometown. At first, old friends who worked at the brewery treated him coldly because they believed that he would be unable to revive the brewery. But when Frank told them the brewery was in trouble and could soon lose their jobs, they welcomed him with open arms. The brewery increased its sales and production. The brewery had progressed so far that Ellison’s group decided to sell it to a Texas oil millionaire. Who knew nothing about running a brewery or – apparently – the business.

Famous quotes:

Ray Binkowski: “It’s the battle of the luxury cars.”

Ray Binkowski: “Lincoln Continental and American know-how.”

Ray Binkowski: “And skill against the German machine.”

Johnny Paycheck: “Take this job and shove it.”

Johnny Paycheck: “I ain’t working here no more.”

Sequel: Oh, God! Book II

Fun facts about Take This Job and Shove It:

  • The film debuted about four years after its original title song, “Take This Job and Shove It,” a song written by David Alan Coe and written by Johnny. He provided the film’s title, a Country music song performed by Johnny Peycheck. 
  • The brewery featured in the movie is called Dubuque Star Brewery in Dubuque, Iowa. The historic building remains today (February 2018) and has been adaptively re-used as a bar and barbeque entertainment venue.

Drop Dead Fred – US Box Office: $13,878,334

Director: Ate de Jong

Main Cast: Rik Mayall, Phoebe Cates,  Tim Matheson, Keith Charles, Murray,  Daniel Gerroll.

Release Date: May 24, 1991 

Filming Locations: Paisley Park Studios – 7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA; Harriet Island, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Wells Fargo Tower – 55 East 5th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Gaviidae Common, Nicollet Mall – 555 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down. Her marriage to Charles appears to be over. She discovered that Charles had betrayed her. But she couldn’t stop loving him.  Her imaginary childhood friend, Fred, reappears in her grief. His only goal was to cheer Elizabeth up, although things didn’t go as planned.  Elizabeth intends to bring herself back. But Charles simultaneously turns her into despair. Elizabeth wants to get Charles back into her life. She even showed up at the party (with Fred). While some of Elizabeth was happy to see Fred again, she also noticed something wrong. After several unforgivable acts, Elizabeth’s mother takes her to “seek help” to get rid of Fred for good. Elizabeth returns to Charles. She begins to go through “mediation” to get rid of Fred. It wasn’t until she took the last pill that Charles hadn’t changed. Only Fred was the only one she could trust.  What will happen to Elizabeth?

Famous quotes:

Young Elizabeth: “Did they live happily ever after?”

Young Elizabeth: “How do you know?”

Polly: “Because she was a good little girl, the Prince would have run away if she had been naughty.”

Young Elizabeth: “What a pile of shit.”

Fred: “I can’t believe we left the party so soon. And there was so much wine to spit around the place.”

Fred: “I got upset.” God, you’re so stupid. You never leave a party ’til the very, very end.”

Fun fact about Drop Dead Fred:

  • The scene where Polly records in the plug box that Fred is in is based on true events that happened to Steve Burnett, a friend of co-writer/executive producer Carlos Davis. Burnett’s mother, Gloria, had an imaginary boyfriend when she was a little girl. However, the girl’s mother could not stand that her daughter had an imaginary boyfriend. It finally reached the point where Gloria’s mother took her imaginary boyfriend to flush it down the toilet. This incident has caused her pain for three years

Sugar & Spice – US Box Office: USD$13,305,101

Director: Francine McDougall

Main Cast: Marla Sokoloff,  Marley Shelton, Melissa George, Mena Suvari 

Release Date: January 26, 2001

Filming Locations: Anoka High School – 3939 Seventh Avenue N., Anoka, Minnesota, USA; Anoka, Minnesota, USA; Grand Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; New Brighton, Minnesota, USA; Webster Street & Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Jack and Diane are lovers. They are two crazy kids who live in the same place. Short-haired Diana acts as a cheerleader. While his boyfriend follows her no matter what she does. Jack, of course, is the star quarterback of the football team. After Diana became pregnant, the couple was kicked out of their home. They moved into an apartment. They also tried to survive on Jack’s part-time salary as a video store clerk. Meanwhile, both continued to attend school.  When Diana realizes they are not financially successful, she recruits other cheerleaders to help her rob a bank. Other cheerleaders promised to help her. A local Hood gave them guns in exchange for a promise to let his native daughter join the cheerleading squad.

Famous quotes:

Mrs. Hill: “You don’t look nothing like your picture.”

Kansas: “Grandma and Grandpa sent you a picture of a neighbor girl. They didn’t want you to break out and come kidnap me.”

Mrs. Hill: “Thank God, I was starting to think I killed the wrong man.”

Mrs. Hill: “So, what’d you come here for? To tell me how much you hate me?”

Kansas: “I don’t hate you. I need your help.”

Sequel: Jawbreaker

Fun facts about Sugar & Spice:

  • The film premiered in Minnesota, where the film was shot. The audience gets Betty Doll’s masks like the ones the girls use to rob the bank in the movie. 
  • The film is only 73 minutes long, with just two minutes of “Where Are They Now?” and 6-minute credits with a running time of 81 minutes.

Little Big League – US Box Office: USD$12,267,790

Director: Andrew Scheinman

Main Cast: Luke Edwards,  Timothy Busfield,  John Ashton, Ashley Crow · Kevin Dunn,  Billy L. Sullivan, Miles Feulner, Jonathan Silverman.

Release Date: June 29, 1994

Filming Locations: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome – 501 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Valleyfair Amusement Park – One Valleyfair Drive, Shakopee, Minnesota, USA; Fenway Park – 4 Jersey Street, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Lakewood Cemetery – 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Billy Heywood is a 12-year-old who is a minor-league baseball player. Billy’s grandfather, Thomas Heywood, owned the Minnesota Twins. After Thomas’ death, Billy discovered that he was now the owner of the twins. Thomas’ will stipulate that the team managers will assist Billy until he is old enough to manage the team independently. Billy soon clashed with team leader George O’Farrell. Billy thought O’Farrell was too hard on the players, while O’Farrell despised the idea of ​​working as a child. After O’Farrell insulted Billy several times, Billy fired him. With no other manager willing to work for the kids and his elementary school summer starting in two days, baseball-savvy Billy decides to make himself the new manager. He contacted the baseball commissioner, who approved it after consulting with Jenny. The players were skeptical, but Billy promised he would quit if the team’s bottom position was not improved within a few weeks. The group quickly became involved in the divisional competition. Unfortunately, things didn’t go smoothly for Billy when his friend and star player Lou Collins became romantically interested in Jenny.

Famous quotes:

Billy Heywood: “If Joe can paint a house in three hours and Sam can paint the same house in five hours, how long will it take to paint it together?”

Mac: “Now, wait a minute, you never said this was a word problem.”

Roberts: “[Last Lines] Excuse me, Mr. Heywood! But, um, they’re still here.”

Lonnie Ritter: “Kids today are amazing. I played winter ball down in Venezuela. They had kids half his age, every one of them speaking Spanish. That’s a hard language.”

Lou Collins: “They speak Spanish in Venezuela.”

Lonnie Ritter: “I know! That’s my point!

Sequels: Rookie of the Year”

Fun facts about Little Big League:

  • John Gordon, who portrayed announcer Wally Holland, was the Minnesota Twins’ voice until he announced his retirement following the 2011 campaign.
  • The show is in the climactic scene where Ken Griffey Jr. is eliminated for a hidden balls trick, even though many viewers claim it isn’t. He began to hold the ball on the rubber. When he fakes a pitch, he leaves the rubber first, which means he can affect an angle, even leave the mound, or prepare for the next rise. Therefore false throws are not a hindrance. Since no one called time, Griffey was also allowed to attempt a steal and was thrown out.

The Heartbreak Kid – US Box Office: USD$12,208,000

Director: Elaine May

Main Cast: Ben Stiller,  Michelle Monaghan, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Rob Corddry 

Release Date: December 22, 1972

Filming Locations: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Doral Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA; Lafayette Club – 2800 Northview Rd, Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: Jewish New Yorkers Laney Kantrov and Lila Kantrov just got married. Their premarital life did not include sexual activities with each other during the three-day drive from New York to Miami Beach, where they planned to spend their honeymoon. Laney begins to worry about every little thing about Lila, making him wonder if he made a mistake in marrying her. His conviction that marriage was wrong was reinforced when he met college student Kelly Corcoran in Miami Beach. A beautiful blonde Midwesterner was vacationing in Miami Beach with her wealthy WASP parents. She is also flirtatious but a little cold at the same time.  To spend time with Kelly, whom Laney believed he intended to be with, Laney tried his best to dump Lila whenever possible. As Laney pursues Kelly’s plan to marry her in the future, three obstacles stand in his way. First,  he is already married to Lila. Second, he is unsure whether Kelly feels the same way. Lastly, Mr. Corcoran does not like him. What will be his decision?

Famous quotes:

Lenny Cantrow: “This is honest food. There is no lying in that beef. There’s no insincerity in those potatoes. There’s no deceit in the cauliflower. This is a totally simple meal.”

Mr. Corcoran: “During dinner tonight, I was listening. I can tell more about a man by listening to his dinner table conversation than by reading all the books in the world. I heard everything you said about honest food. I have never heard such a crock of horse-s**t in my life. “There’s no deceit in the cauliflower”?”

Mr. Corcoran: “You don’t know what determination is. I eat determination for breakfast.”

Lila Kolodny: “Are you glad we waited?”

Lenny Cantrow: “I’m glad we waited.”

Lila Kolodny: “Well, we have the rest of our lives, 40, 50, 60, 100 years.”

Mr. Corcoran: “Stay away from her. I don’t hand out my daughter to NEWLYWEDS!”

Sequel: A New Leaf

Fun fact about The Heartbreak Kid:

  • The film is so hard to find on streaming media because it ended up in the hands of pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb, which spun off its entertainment division shortly after the film was made, leaving the film’s distribution rights in a bind. Since then, in early 2021, it has never been re-mined or restored. Neil Simon’s contract states that none of his conversations can be changed without his permission. Improvised Elaine May made a deal that they would shoot two versions, his original and her script, and then decide which was better. About a week later, Charles Grodin recalled that Neil Simon was no longer on set while Elaine May took over.

Beautiful Girls – US Box Office: USD$10,597,759

Director: Ted Demme

Main Cast: Matt Dillon, Timothy Hutton, Noah Emmerich, Annabeth Gish, Lauren Holly

Release Date: February 9, 1996

Filming Locations: Stillwater, Minnesota, USA; Bryant-Lake Bowl – 810 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Hudson House – 1616 Crest View Dr, Hudson, Wisconsin, USA; Edina, Minnesota, USA; Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, USA

Main Plot: New York jazz pianist Willie Conway returns to his hometown of Nightridge, Massachusetts, for a high school reunion. The purpose of the trip was to both parties and saw his old friends. None of them left Nightridge after graduation. Willie is the only one who escapes his current life, where he is personally and professionally at a crossroads. He plays the piano for a living, so he’s considering a job in sales. He’s also wondering if he’s ready to marry his longtime girlfriend, attorney Tracy Stover. Willie’s most mutual friends had their best years in high school and still had the “trophy” mentality of girlfriend and wife. Willie felt he was left behind. What do you think he will do to his friends?

Famous quotes:

Paul: “Supermodels are beautiful girls, Will. A beautiful girl can make you dizzy like you’ve been drinking Jack and Coke all morning. She can make you feel high and full of the single greatest commodity known to man – promise. The promise of a better day.”

Paul: “Promise of a greater hope. The promise of a new tomorrow. This particular aura can be found in the gait of a beautiful girl. In her smile, in her soul, the way she makes every rotten little thing about life seem like it’s going to be okay. The supermodels, Willy? That’s all they are. Bottled promise. Scenes from a brand new day. Hope dancing in stiletto heels.”

Gina: “I’m finished speaking to both of you, okay? You’re both fucking insane. Do you want to know what your problem is? MTV, Playboy, and Madison fucking Avenue. Yes. Let me explain something to you, ok? Girls with big tits have big asses. Girls with little tits have little asses. That’s the way it goes.”

Gina: “God doesn’t fuck around; he’s a fair guy. He gave the fatties big, beautiful tits and the skinnies little tiny needles. It’s not my rule. If you don’t like it, call him. Hey Mitch. Thank you.”

Gina: “Oh, guys, look what we have here. Look at this; you’re favorite. Oh, you like that?”

Gina: “Yeah, that’s nice, right? Well, it doesn’t exist, ok. Look at the hair. The hair is long, flowing, and like a river. Well, it’s a fucking weave, ok? And the tits, please! I could hang my overcoat on them. Tits, by design, were invented to be suckled by babies. Yes, they’re purely functional. These are silicon city. And look, my favorite, the shaved pubis. Pubic hair is too unruly and all. Very key. This is a mockery; this is a sham; this is bullshit. Implants, collagen, plastic, capped teeth, the fat sucked out; the hair extended, the nose fixed, the bush shaved… These are not real women, all right? They’re beauty freaks.”

Tommy: “I think you’re oversimplifying.”

Sequel: Singles

Fun facts about Beautiful Girls:

  • The film was inspired by the experiences of screenwriter Scott Rosenberg, who returned to Needham, Massachusetts. He was waiting to see if his script for Ba Hawa (1997) would be done and was tired of writing action films when he said it was the worst winter in his hometown. Rosenberg noted that this was largely because her friends did not want to admit that they were turning 30 or had commitment issues, which formed the basis of Pretty Girls (1996).
  • Ted sent the actors to Minneapolis and lived together for 2-3 weeks to bond.

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