Were you among the throngs of moviegoers nationwide who flocked to see “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” which opened at No. 5 over the weekend?
Unlike your counterparts in other states, you probably recognized some of the film’s Atlanta scene locations, including Piedmont Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the Woodruff Arts Center complex.
But, wait, there’s more, with this summer’s movie season featuring a number of made-in-Atlanta flicks. Here’s a look at some of them:
● Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Witness Protection” is scheduled for a June 29 release. This latest gem in the Madea crown is described thusly: “A Wall Street investment banker who has been set up as the linchpin of his company’s mob-backed Ponzi scheme is relocated with his family to Aunt Madea’s Southern home.”
The Lionsgate project stars Denise Richards, Eugene Levy, Doris Roberts, John Amos, Tom Arnold, Marla Gibbs and Perry as his wisecracking, gun-toting alter ego Madea. It filmed at the Georgia World Congress Center, Inman United Methodist Church and downtown Atlanta.
● “The Watch,” which filmed on the Marietta Square, Campbell High School in Smyrna, a former BJ’s Wholesale store in Norcross (rendered as a Costco for the movie) and west Cobb subdivisions, has a July 27 release date. Originally known as “Neighborhood Watch,” its name was shortened when 20th Century Fox, acting in an abundance of caution, sought to scrub any hint of connection with the Trayvon Martin case. The Florida teenager was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who has said he acted in self-defense.
The movie, though, could not possibly have less to do with the shooting: “The Watch” stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade as a group of guys who stumble onto an alien plot to take over the world, starting with their suburban neighborhood. Still, the studio pulled early promotional trailers, in addition to changing the name.
● “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” starring Jennifer Garner, comes out Aug. 15. It’s a Disney project with a supernatural spectre: “A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears.”
It also stars Joel Edgerton, C.J. Adams, Ron Livingston, Rosemarie DeWitt and Dianne Wiest. Its filming locations include a magnificent Victorian home in Newnan The home, a four-bedroom, five-bath beauty, sits on nearly five acres and boasts 13 fireplaces, a carriage house and a pool. It was once a bed and breakfast. If you’ve driven through the Coweta County seat, you’ll recognize it.
● “Lawless,” once known as “The Wettest County,” has an Aug. 31 release date, having been pushed back from its original date in April. Based on the historical novel “The Wettest County in the World” by Matt Bondurant, it tells the tale of Depression-era moonshiners.
It filmed in Fayette County and stars Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy.
About the Author
