Rhode Island may be small in size but we're no stranger to the big screen! And with the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival in full swing, it's no wonder we've got movies on the mind. While Flickers brings in movies from all around the world, this year's schedule includes plenty of films with a Rhode Island connection, including documentaries "Swim Tuff" and "Voices over the Water" as well as narrative film "Divine Providence."
With all of this movie magic happening, we took a look back at Rhode Island on the big screen. From bustling cityscapes to classical mansions, pristine beaches to quaint small towns, the Ocean State has the perfect backdrop for any filming need. Here are a few of our favorites!
Dumb and Dumber
The first movie produced by Cumberland, RI natives Peter and Bobby Farrelly, "Dumb and Dumber" is the story of two dumb but well-meaning friends from Providence who travel to Aspen, CO to return what they thought was a lost briefcase filled with money. Lots of shots from the Providence skyline and downtown streets can be seen early in the film, plus an appearance by The Big Blue Bug from Big Blue Bug Solutions. The 58-foot-long termite can be seen from I-95.
There’s Something About Mary
Another Farrelly brothers production, "There’s Something About Mary" features Cameron Diaz as the love interest pitting four men against each other for her affections. The film makes a brief stop in the Ocean State for a scene outside of The Hot Club, a waterfront institution located on Bridge Street overlooking the city.
Meet Joe Black
"Meet Joe Black" features the dynamic duo of a young Brad Pitt and seasoned Anthony Hopkins. While primarily filmed in New York, scenes from billionaire media mogul William Parrish’s (played by Hopkins) mansion were shot at Warwick’s Aldrich Mansion.
Hocus Pocus 2
The long-awaited return of the Sanderson Sisters was filmed exclusively in Rhode Island. While some locations were transformed into Salem stand-ins, including Chase Farm, Benefit Street and LaSalle Academy, other scenes were filmed at a soundstage created inside the Cranston Armory.
Me, Myself & Irene
The Farrelly brothers return home once again for "Me, Myself & Irene." Jim Carrey stars as a Rhode Island state trooper with multiple personalities tasked with returning a fugitive back to upstate New York. You’ll see scenes from Narragansett Bay, Point Judith, Newport and Jamestown.
Underdog
Set in “Capital City” (aka Providence), this adaptation of the 1960s cartoon by the same name follows a crime-fighting beagle throughout the city. Many Providence landmarks are on display, including the State House, Cranston Street Armory, Turk’s Head Building and the Arcade, among others.
Good Burger 2
The soon-to-be released sequel to Good Burger has been filming in Providence, Warwick and East Greenwich this summer. Does the Good Burger restaurant look familiar? It used to be Friendly's on Mineral Spring Ave. in North Providence. And is there anything more Rhode Island than identifying a place by what it used to be?
