Did you know that the popular movie “White Men Can’t Jump” was primarily filmed in Los Angeles? According to LA Weekly, the movie takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the bustling basketball courts of sun-soaked Venice Beach and the searing hot pavement of South L. A.
In this long-form article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the different filming locations in LA and answer the question “Where was White Men Can’t Jump filmed?” Whether you’re a fan of the movie or simply interested in exploring iconic filming locations, we’ve got you covered.
The Plot of White Men Can’t Jump
“White Men Can’t Jump” follows the story of two street basketball hustlers, Billy (played by Woody Harrelson) and Sidney (played by Wesley Snipes) as they team up to win big money games. Along the way, they face off against different opponents and encounter a variety of obstacles.
The movie highlights themes such as ambition, friendship, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Check out this Youtube video: “White Men Can’t Jump Filming Locations – YouTube” to discover the iconic shooting spots of the classic 90s movie, which will make you appreciate themed sightseeing even more.
Where Was White Men Can’t Jump Filmed?
Filming Locations in Los Angeles
“White Men Can’t Jump” is a classic comedy film that transports the audience to various locations in Los Angeles. You can expect to see the basketball courts in Venice Beach where some of the most memorable scenes of the movie were shot.
Fans can also check out The Jungle, a notorious basketball court in South L. A., where Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes played ball in the film. Another filming location is the Bradbury Building in Downtown LA, where many iconic scenes were shot.
The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena also served as a backdrop for some scenes of the movie. Lastly, fans can visit The Korean Bell of Friendship, which was also featured in the movie.
Trivia About the Filming Locations
White Men Can’t Jump takes the viewers on a thrilling journey through the neon-lit basketball courts of Venice Beach and the blistering hot asphalt of South L. A. The movie wouldn’t exist without the backdrop of Los Angeles.
Here are some interesting facts about the different filming locations:
- The Venice Beach basketball courts were the perfect location for outdoor scenes, as they are a popular spot for streetball games and have a unique atmosphere.
- The Jungle, a notorious basketball court in South LA, got its name from the dense foliage surrounding it. It became a popular spot for high-stakes games, but also for violent incidents, contributing to its rough reputation.
- The Bradbury Building, one of the oldest commercial buildings in LA, was used as Sidney’s apartment building. Its striking architecture and open atrium made it a perfect location for the movie’s dramatic scenes.
- A real-life basketball game at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena inspired a scene in the movie where Sidney and Billy watch a Clippers game. The Sports Arena was demolished in 2016, but it remains a piece of LA sports history.
- The Korean Bell of Friendship, located in San Pedro, was included in the movie as a backdrop to the scene where Sidney and Billy make a bet. The bell was a gift from South Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of the US and has become a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
How to Visit the Filming Locations Yourself
According to LA Weekly, “White Men Can’t Jump” was filmed in various locations in Los Angeles, including Venice Beach’s basketball courts and the hot summer courts of South Los Angeles. If you’re interested in visiting the filming locations, we recommend taking a trip to the Venice Beach basketball courts or attending an event at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.
Additionally, you can take a tour of the Bradbury Building, which was also featured in the movie. Lastly, if you want to get a closer look at the Korean Bell of Friendship, which was also seen in the film, you can visit the location in San Pedro area.
The best time to visit “The Jungle”, another prominent filming location, is during the day due to safety concerns in the area.
Reception and Box Office Success
Critical Response to White Men Can’t Jump
White Men Can’t Jump, directed by Ron Shelton and starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, received a mixed response from critics upon its release in 1992. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a rating of 78% from 46 reviews, with an average rating of 6.67/10.
Top critic reviews were divided, with some praising the film’s humor and performances, while others criticized its portrayal of race and gender. Despite the mixed critical response, the film became a commercial success, grossing over $90 million worldwide.
Box Office Results
White Men Can’t Jump was a successful film both critically and financially. According to www.thennowmovielocations.com, the movie grossed over $90 million domestically and had a worldwide gross of over $90 million.
The film’s success can be attributed to its witty script and the dynamic chemistry between the lead actors, Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.
References
- IMDb – White Men Can’t Jump Trivia
- Los Angeles Conservancy – Bradbury Building
- LA Memorial Sports Arena
