Top 5 Movies Filmed in Charlottesville, Virginia by US Box Office

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Lights, Camera, Charlottesville: Uncover the Excitement at Filming Locations in Virginia!

Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the world of movies filmed in Charlottesville, Virginia. Whether you’re a movie buff desperately craving something new to watch or just seeking a thrilling adventure, this list will transport you to the very sites where your favorite films came to life. So, put on your imaginary director’s hat and get ready for a cinematic journey like no other!

Now, imagine this – you embark on a journey through the charming streets of Charlottesville, your heart pounding with excitement. As you walk along the very path where legendary actors once roamed, you can’t help but feel a sense of connection with the silver screen. It’s as if the city itself comes alive, whispering tales of cinematic moments that unfolded on its cobblestoned streets.

Picture yourself strolling through a picturesque park where a heartwarming romantic scene was once captured on film. You can practically hear the sweet melody of the movie soundtrack playing in your head as you relish the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s like stepping into your own romantic comedy, ready to write your own story among the scenery made famous by the movies.

Now let’s take things up a notch. Imagine finding yourself standing outside a historic building, the very one that served as a backdrop for an epic battle or a thrilling car chase in one of your favorite action-packed films.

As you gaze up at the façade, you can almost feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins, as if you’re right there in the heart-pounding action yourself. Don’t be surprised if you catch yourself reenacting a few scenes, but remember to avoid any real-life explosions or summoning an alien invasion – we want you to have fun, not cause chaos!

Key Takeaways:

  • Immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen by visiting real-life filming locations in Charlottesville, Virginia.
  • Discover the behind-the-scenes stories, hidden gems, and iconic spots featured in movies that will make you go, “Lights, camera, Charlottesville!”
  • Experience the thrill of reliving famous movie moments and feeling like you’re part of the action.
  • Get a unique perspective on the city while exploring the cinematic history of Charlottesville.

Ready to dive into the world of movies filmed in Charlottesville, Virginia? Grab your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the places that turned our beloved characters into legends. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, an action aficionado, or just someone looking for a good dose of movie-induced excitement, Charlottesville has it all.

So, pack your bags, put on your most fashionable sunglasses, and hit the road to experience firsthand the magic of these filming locations.

Remember, you’re not just visiting Charlottesville—you’re stepping into the scenes of your favorite movies. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure that will leave you starstruck and ready to hit “play” on the next chapter of your life!

Now it’s time! Embark on your cinematic odyssey and explore the list below, where the magic of movies filmed in Charlottesville awaits you. Let the reel adventure begin!

Evan Almighty – US Box Office: USD$100,462,298

Director: Tom Shadyac 

Main Cast: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, Johnny Simmons

Release Date: 22 June 2007

Filming Locations: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA; Crozet, Virginia, USA; Ninth and Main Streets, Richmond, Virginia, USA; Staunton, Virginia, USA

Main Plot: Evan Baxter, a member of Congress, receives a message from God instructing him to construct an ark in anticipation of a catastrophic deluge. Evan Baxter, a journalist from Buffalo, was elected to Congress with the campaign slogan “Change the world.” He is really fortunate to get a sizable home in a brand new community in Virginia. His office in the Capitol is likewise wonderful, but there is a catch: the influential Congressman Long has asked him to co-sponsor a bill permitting national parks development. This law would allow private development. Evan was having trouble trusting that God would show up, but God came to him in a dream and told him to construct an ark. Evan’s yard is overrun with implements and wood, animal pairings soon follow, his beard and hair begin to grow haphazardly, and staff and clothes befitting a nomad appear. Long shows signs of growing impatience, Evan begins construction, his family abandons him, reporters gather, and drought hits the District of Columbia. Still, Evan believes.

Famous quotes:

MORGAN FREEMAN: “If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does he allow them to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them…” 

MORGAN FREEMAN: I now issue a new commandment: thou shalt dance.”  

Ark Reporter: What makes you think God chose you?

STEVE CARRELL – Evan Baxter: “I know. Everything you do, you do because you love me. Do me a favor; love me less!” 

WANDA SYKES: “If that comes out your front, I don’t even want to know what’s coming out the back.” 

Sequel: Bruce Almighty

Fun facts about Evan Almighty:

  •  Evan’s ark features a concrete foundation that can support a 747 jet’s landing thanks to technology borrowed from airport runways.
  • A three-person team laboriously applied each hair to Steve Carell’s face to create Evan’s beard.
  • The animal handlers brought a complete zoo to the EVAN ALMIGHTY set, featuring, to name a few, lions, tigers, pelicans, leopards, giraffes, elephants, Kodiak bears, baboons, zebras, reindeer, camels, raccoons, cats, porcupines, dogs, buffalos, and snakes. Rarely would the monsters shoot on the same day because many of them would naturally attack one another?

The Four Seasons – US Box Office: USD$50,427,646

Director: Alan Alda 

Main Cast: Alan Alda, Carol Burnett, Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis

Release Date: 22 May 1981

Filming Locations: Baggy Knees – Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont, USA; Stowehof Inn – 434 Edson Hill Road, Stowe, Vermont, USA; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Stowe, Vermont, USA; Agnes Scott College – 141 E. College Avenue, Decatur, Georgia, USA

Main Plot: The plot focuses on a group of friends who are all married with children and belong to the upper middle class. They all live in New York City and take annual trips together. Following the establishment of this pattern, Nick decides to end his marriage to Anne, his wife of 21 years, while the two of them are vacationing at their country home in the spring. After that, he continues to bring Ginny, a woman who is quite a bit younger than him, on vacation trips during the summer, fall, and winter. Because of this, the other two couples feel guilty because it appears as though they have betrayed their dear friend Anne. This causes them to feel anxious.

Famous quotes:

Al-Waleed bin Talal: “So, if you look at what’s common among some of the companies I have, including the Four Seasons, NewsCorp, George V, and the Plaza, these are all irreplaceable brands in their own fields.”

Joe Elliott: “To be honest, I’m a bit of a snob now; give me a Four Seasons anywhere in the world and I’m happy. Also, they’ve just opened a Ritz-Carlton in County Wicklow, Ireland, which is stunning and has great views.”

Jack: You know why?

Kim Ki-duk: “I intended to portray the joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure of our lives through four seasons and through the life of a monk who lives in a temple on Jusan Pond surrounded only by nature.”

Fun facts about The Four Seasons:

  • The WGA (Writers Guild of America) nominated Alan Alda for this movie in 1982 for Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen. Still, Steve Gordon’s Arthur won the award (1981).
  • Alan Alda made appearances on Carol Burnett’s renowned variety program in the 1970s, but this was their sole theatrical feature film.
  • The film’s distinct plot is broken into four acts, each set during one of the four seasons (Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall, also known as Autumn). The locations used to illustrate each season vary: the spring is in upper New York state, the winter is in the snowy landscape of Eastern America, the summer is on the Caribbean island of the Virgin Islands, and the fall (autumn) is in Connecticut.

Major Payne – US Box Office: USD$29,412,050

Director: Nick Castle

Main Cast: Damon Wayans, Michael Ironside, Bam Bam Bigelow, Joseph Blaire

Release Date: 24 March 1995

Filming Locations: Miller School of Albemarle – 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Goochland, Virginia, USA;  Ashland, Virginia, USA; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Main Plot: Benson Winifred Payne, a Major in the Marine Corps, is being discharged from the service. Even while Payne is a lethal machine, wars no longer take place on traditional battlefields anywhere in the world. Since he is a career Marine and has no idea what he would do if he were to become a civilian, his commander finds him a job as the commanding officer of a JROTC program at a nearby school, where the students participating in the program are a misfit group of individuals who have no chance of succeeding. Payne uses real grenades, bullets, and other real-life objects as teaching tools, and the Corps slowly begins to feel a little more hopeful.

Famous quotes:

Major Payne: “Now you might feel a little pressure. Got no worries, got no stress. “

Major Payne: “One! Don’t you feel dumb? Two! Look at you. Three! Don’t you ever make jokes about me behind my back, or else I’ll stomp you into the ground.”

Major Payne: “Don’t push the ‘maybes,’ baby. “

Major Payne: “A bullet. It’s somethin’ special. It’s from my heart.”

Fun facts about Major Payne:

  • Despite Major Payne’s cartoonish portrayal, the Scuba Diver and Parachutist Badges can be seen on his clothing. This almost probably indicates that Payne served in an elite Marine Reconnaissance or Force Reconnaissance unit in the US Marine Corps, which would explain his combat-weary demeanor. Marine Force Recon was regarded as the pinnacle of the Marines’ combat fighting elite until the recent development of the Marine Raider Regiment (founded by former Force Recon operators).
  • The Donna Reed Show’s theme tune is played while Major Payne fantasizes about being married and having a picket fence (1958). Alex Stone played the spouse in that show. The cadet who commands the group goes by the name of Alex Stone.

A Kiss Before Dying – US Box Office: USD$15,429,177

Director: James Dearden 

Main Cast: Matt Dillon, Sean Young, James Bonfanti, Sarah Keller

Release Date: 14 June 1991

Filming Locations: St. Thomas Church – 1 W 53rd St, New York City, New York, USA; The Lexington Hotel – 511 Lexington Ave, New York City, New York, USA; Queensboro Bridge – E 59th St, New York City, New York, USA; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; First Chicago House – 90 Long Acre, Convent Garden, London, England, UK

Main Plot: After killing his pregnant girlfriend, a student kills her identical sister, who becomes suspicious of her new lover. Jonathan Corliss kills Dorothy and makes it look like she committed herself because he knows her pregnancy will harm her connection with her affluent father. To court Ellen, he moves to New York. Ellen’s inquiries into what she knows wasn’t a suicide lead him to kill again, but he’s doing well. Thor Carlsson’s daughter Dorothy gets married at City Hall. Because the workplace is closed, he murders her on the roof. He writes a letter suggesting she is suicidal. Thor can only focus on her family’s reputation till her father and twin sister Ellen arrives. Ellen doesn’t believe she committed suicide. They learn she’s pregnant. Ellen searched for the person who got her pregnant, but no one found them. Her overprotective father hired a nanny.

Famous quotes:

Bud Corliss: Haven’t you heard? Love conquers all.”

Bud Corliss: I’m a man with a shameful, sinister secret. Do you know what it is? I’ve never really been in love before.”

Bud Corliss: For anyone to love somebody as much as I love you.”

Bud Corliss: Crying isn’t going to help.”

Fun facts about A Kiss Before Dying:

  • In reality, Matt Dillon was James Dearden’s third choice for the lead part. River Phoenix initially turned down the role of Jonathan because he didn’t connect with the story and claimed he couldn’t portray someone so cruel. Then Dearden sought Kiefer Sutherland, who declined the opportunity because of a clash with his schedule. Finally, Dillon was given the part, and his performance so moved Dearden that he later remarked that Dillon ought to have been his top pick from the beginning.
  • Sean Young succeeded Bridget Fonda. Following Fonda’s departure from the production due to schedule issues, Young joined.
  • The 1954 Edgar Award for Best First Novel went to Ira Levin’s “A Kiss Before Dying” book.
  • The 75th-anniversary emblem for Universal Studios will be used in one more movie.

Toy Soldiers –  US Box Office: USD$15,073,942

Director: Daniel Petrie Jr.

Main Cast: Sean Astin, Wil Wheaton, Keith Coogan, Andrew Divoff

Release Date: 26 April 1991

Filming Locations: Miller School of Albemarle – 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Waynesboro, Virginia, USA; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Main Plot: In the face of a terrorist takeover of their boarding school, a band of mischievous youngsters decides to stand up for what they believe in. A bunch of mischievous boys at The Regis School are led by Billy Tepper. He has been kicked out of three different prestigious private institutions. Joey Trotta is his best buddy and the son of the head of the New York Mafia; Billy, all of their friends, and many other kids at the school have equally influential and prominent if more law-abiding, parents. After Luis Cali’s father is arrested, Luis travels to the Regis School to kidnap the judge’s son, only to learn that the judge’s son has been removed from the case. After learning the identities of the remaining students’ parents, he determines the entire Regis School student population would be an even more valuable bargaining chip.

Famous quotes:

Jonathan “Snuffy” Bradberry: “Man, this stuff is great. It’s opening up my lungs, it’s making me breathe easier.”

Jonathan “Snuffy” Bradberry: “No, the first rule of prep school etiquette is to pretend you’re asleep when your roommate’s beating off.”

Jonathan “Snuffy” Bradberry:Oh yeah, that’s wonderful. Now all we have to do is get Cali out of the Headmaster’s Office which he hardly ever leaves, sneak past the guard, switch the chips without setting off them bombs, and then get out without being seen.

Dean Parker: “They’re going to hunt you down, you know that, don’t you? They’ll eventually find you and then they will kill you.”

Joseph “Joey” Trotta: “What the hell do you mean the reverse is also true?”

Fun facts about Toy Soldiers:

  • In the movie, Shawn Phelan’s portrayal of Derek goes by the stage name Yogurt. This was a real-life moniker bestowed upon him by his fellow actors. According to the legend, the young actors who played the main gang were all riding in the back of a van as they made their way to the location where filming would start. Phelan was munching on a yogurt container as they traveled, but the automobile suddenly hit a large bump, causing the yogurt to pour out all over the actor and cover him in yogurt. The other guys gave him the nickname Yogurt because they thought it was hilarious. This nickname was later used in the movie.
  • Sean Astin’s character William “Billy” Tepper is named after William Tepper from the film Drive, He Said (1971).
  • The “bathroom” outside the dining room is actually a closet rather than a bathroom.
  • At the beginning of the movie, there is some foreshadowing. The Dean (Lou Gossett) says that he is “always going to watch [Billy]” after telling Billy (Sean Astin) that he was successful in his attempt to spray paint the Sheriff’s vehicle “this time.” In the climactic moment, the Dean will later “watch over” (and ultimately save) Billy by scaling the wall to get to the office where the terrorists are holding him hostage. As the film fades away, it pans to the right, and you can see the school’s walls and windows.

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