Flashback Flicks
Films considered worthy enough to shoot in the Ocean State.
Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office,
far right, is largely responsible for bringing Hocus Pocus 2 to the Ocean State. Courtesy of Steven Feinberg, RI Film and Television Office; Graphics.
1974: The Great Gatsby
Based on the 1925 novel of the same name, The Great Gatsby follows Nick Carraway as he becomes fascinated by the lavish lifestyle of his neighbor and is drawn into his circle, only to witness obsession and tragedy.
Starring: Robert Redford, Jack Clayton, Mia Farrow, Bruce Dern and Sam Waterston
Filming locations: Rosecliff Mansion in Newport and Linden Place in Bristol
1994: Dumb and Dumber
This Farrelly brothers’ classic features two not-so-bright friends from Providence who embark on a journey to Aspen, Colorado, to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful — and beautiful — owner.
Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels and Lauren Holly
filming locations: Providence and Cumberland
1994: True Lies
A secret agent tracks down nuclear missiles to protect the United States and discovers his wife may be having an affair with a used-car salesman.
Starring:: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis and Tom Arnold
Filming locations: Rosecliff and Ochre Court mansions in Newport
1997: Amistad
In 1839, the Amistad sails from Cuba to America carrying African slaves as its cargo, but the captives successfully mutiny, forcing the courts to decide if they are legally free citizens of another country or runaway slaves.
Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey
filming locations: Old Colony House and Fort Adams in Newport
2000: Me, Myself and Irene
A Rhode Island state trooper with multiple personalities is tasked with protecting a woman on the run from her ex-boyfriend and corrupt police officers in this Farrelly brothers film.
Starring: Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger
Filming locations: Newport, Jamestown and
Narragansett
2007: Dan in Real Life
A widower and single father finally finds love again during a trip home for a family gathering — but things get complicated when he learns the object of his affections is actually his brother’s girlfriend.
Starring: Steve Carell and Dane Cook
Filming locations: Seven Stars Bakery in Providence, Ocean Avenue in Newport and Misquamicut Beach in Westerly
2008: 27 Dresses
After being a bridesmaid twenty-seven times, Jane wrestles with the idea of standing by her sister’s side … especially since she’s marrying the man Jane secretly loves.
Starring: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden and Cameron Diaz
Filming locations: Rosecliff and Marble House mansions in Newport, former Club Hell in Providence
2012: Moonrise Kingdom
Feeling misunderstood by their respective guardians, two infatuated preteens run away together, causing a local Scouts group to lead a search party.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Jared Gilman and Kaya Howard
Filming locations: Jamestown, Prudence Island, Fort Wetherill and Yawgoog Scout Reservation
2017: The Polka King
Based on a true story, Pennsylvania polka sensation Jan Lewan creates a Ponzi scheme to fleece millions from investors through polka-related activities.
Starring: Jack Black, Jan Lewan and Jenny Slate
Filming locations: Woonsocket and Cranston
2019: Vault
It’s 1975 and a group of small-time criminals attempt the largest heist in American history: stealing over $30 million from the Mafia in Rhode Island. Can they pull it off?
Starring: Theo Rossi, Don Johnson and Clive Standen
Filming locations: The Superman Building in Providence
2022: Hocus Pocus 2
A sequel to the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, featuring the Sanderson sisters years later in modern-day Salem.
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy
Filming locations: Chase Farm in Lincoln, Providence, East Providence and Washington Square in Newport.
