Where was Hall Pass filmed?
2011
City Locations
Atlanta and Suwanee, GA
Location Types
Schools/Colleges, Hospitals/Medical, Clubs/Bars
Location Styles
Cape Cod, Craftsman, Gothic/Victorian, Beachfront, Resort, Retreat
About Hall Pass
Step into the world of Hall Pass, a humorous take on married life that was released in 2011. This American comedy film is the brainchild of the Farrelly brothers, renowned for their unique storytelling ways. Together with Pete Jones, they concocted a fascinating tale that keeps you glued to your seat till the very end.
The movie stars the dynamic duo Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis, two actors known for their impeccable comic timing and ability to breathe life into any character. These two talented individuals play the roles of friends and husbands named Rick and Fred.
The film was officially released on February 25, 2011, and since then, it has been a source of endless amusement for audiences. Its plot introduces an innovative concept wherein their wives give the husbands a 'hall pass.' This pass grants them the liberty to have sex with other women for a week, promising temporary relief from their monotonous married lives. The story beautifully captures their adventurous journey and their various dilemmas during this unusual liberty period.
The film has received a 33% approval rating on the review aggregation platform Rotten Tomatoes. This rating is based on a total of 179 reviews, with an average score of 4.70 out of 10.
Although Hall Pass did not receive any awards, it is undeniable that this film exudes charm and provides ample entertainment. Its innovative plot and stellar performances make it a must-watch for fans of comedy cinema. Intriguing, hilarious, and jam-packed with laughter-filled moments, Hall Pass will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
Hall Pass Locations
Hall Pass is predominantly set in the fictional town of Fairhaven, but the magic of movie-making brought it to life in various locations across Georgia, USA. For fans of the film and travelers alike, exploring these filming locations offers a unique experience.
One of the notable locations is an Applebee’s restaurant in Johns Creek, Georgia. It served as the backdrop for Rick and Fred's first night out with their hall pass. To recreate a summertime setting in Rhode Island, the crew went to great lengths, adding fake branches to trees and planting flowers around the restaurant.
Another pivotal location was the Days Inn Hotel in Gainesville. Chosen from 85 potential sites, the hotel hosted several scenes, including poolside sequences and room-based shots. Christina Applegate, one of the film's stars, was seen on location here.
Atlanta also features prominently in Hall Pass. The Gwinnett Medical Center doubles as Falmouth Hospital for a hospital scene. Meanwhile, the Gold Room on Piedmont Avenue was transformed for bustling club and bar scenes. Peachtree Hills Park in Buckhead provides a serene setting for a park scene, while The Pool Hall at 30 Irby Avenue adds another touch of authenticity.
A trip to these locations would be a worthwhile adventure, offering a chance to reimagine the scenes from Hall Pass while exploring Georgia's diverse landscapes and attractions.
Rick and Fred’s first night out scene in Hall Pass
4210 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suwanee, GA 30024, USA
The first day of this so-called hall pass is humorously anticlimactic as the duo, instead of diving headfirst into bachelorhood, opt to have a meal before visiting a local bar. However, they end up too tired to enjoy their night out and decide to return to their hotel.
This scene was shot in an Applebee's restaurant in Johns Creek, Georgia. The restaurant was modified for the film; licensed merchandise on the walls was replaced with more generic material to avoid any licensing fees. This attention to detail creates a realistic setting, drawing viewers into the narrative. The scene was further brought to life by local citizens and employees who showed up to be extras during the filming.
As for visiting this location, it's worth noting that the restaurant was a full-service chain bar and grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting. However, it is now permanently closed.
To get to this location from downtown Atlanta, you would need to head northeast. It's about a 30-minute drive via I-85 N and GA-141 N.
Hash brownies and high golf scene in Hall Pass
Druid Hills Golf Club, 740 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
The second day of Rick and Fred's week-long break from marriage leads them to a mini-golf course. In an unexpected twist, they encounter Gary (Stephen Merchant), who introduces them to hash brownies. High on the edibles, Rick and Fred proceed to play golf but end up causing chaos on the course.
This memorable scene was filmed at the prestigious Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The club is renowned for its golfing facilities and has frequently hosted U.S. Women's Open qualifying tournaments. Established in 1912, it offers a range of amenities, including golf, dining, tennis, fitness, and swimming, all set in a private country club environment.
Please note that as a private club, access may be restricted. It is recommended to contact local representatives or the club directly for more information about visiting.
To get to Druid Hills Golf Club from downtown Atlanta, you can reach the club within 10 minutes from the city center by taking John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE and Ponce De Leon Ave NE.
Baseball game scene in Hall Pass
Avondale High School Stadium, 1192 Clarendon Ave, Decatur, GA 30032, USA
Day three takes a turn away from the misadventures of Fred and Rick, shifting focus to their wives, Maggie (Jenna Fischer) and Grace (Christina Applegate). The day begins with the ladies attending a baseball game, a scene that offers a lighthearted break from the chaos of the men's hall pass escapades.
Post-game, Maggie and Grace engage in an earnest conversation about their husbands. Their discussion is interrupted by Gerry (Tyler Hoechlin), a gamer who had spotted them with children and mistakenly assumed they were nannies. This encounter sets the stage for the introduction of Maggie's father (Dwight Evans) and the coach, Rick Colman (Bruce Thomas).
This engaging scene was filmed at Avondale High School Stadium in Decatur, Georgia. The stadium, built in 1958, is located on the grounds of the DeKalb School of the Arts (DSA). However, it is not part of DSA but serves as a community stadium. With an AstroTurf playing field and a running track, it caters to multiple DeKalb County School District high schools.
While the stadium is open to visitors, checking with local administration or online resources for any potential restrictions or visitor guidelines is recommended. To get to Avondale High School Stadium from Atlanta, head east on I-20 E; the journey will take around 15 minutes.
Girls playing volleyball scene in Hall Pass
Mary Alice Park Beach, 1820 Mary Alice Park Rd, Cumming, GA 30041, USA
While Grace and Maggie are enjoying a spirited game of volleyball complemented by frosty beers with a group of young men, Rick, is at his much-loved coffee shop. There, he engages in light-hearted flirtation with Leigh (Nicky Whelan), a charming waitress.
The women's beach-side scene was shot at Lake Lanier in Mary Alice Park, located in Cumming, Georgia. The film crew transformed parts of the lake's beach area to resemble Cape Cod, complete with a beach house and tiki bar built for the movie. Truckloads of white sand were brought in to enhance the beachy aesthetic. This location was convenient for production and provided enough isolation from the public, creating an ideal filming environment.
Mary Alice Park Beach, the most westerly park on Lake Lanier, is close to the town of Cumming. It offers easy access to various stores, shops, eateries, and hotels. It's a popular destination for boating and fishing, particularly for those hoping to catch a striped bass.
To reach Mary Alice Park from Atlanta, follow US-19 N towards Cumming. The journey should take around 45 minutes.
Rick and Fred go to the club scene in Hall Pass
Gold Room, 2416 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, USA
The plot thickens as Fred and Rick hit the town with their friend, Coakley (Richard Jenkins). They end up at a bar intriguingly named Enter the Dragon. At the bar, Rick unexpectedly runs into Paige (Alexandra Daddario), his children's babysitter. Paige is there to enjoy her 21st birthday celebrations with her Aunt Meg (Kristin Carey). When Paige expresses an interest in Rick, he navigates around her advances, choosing instead to share a dance with Leigh.
The club scenes were filmed at the Gold Room, a lavish two-story venue in Atlanta renowned for its chic décor and top-tier customer service. This upscale location hosts various events, including corporate gatherings, cocktail receptions, charity benefits, and live entertainment. The Gold Room continues to operate today, maintaining its iconic look from the movie.
To reach the Gold Room from downtown Atlanta, you can take I-75 N/I-85 N by car. The seven-mile journey will take around 10 minutes in light traffic.
Rick and Fred drive to the hospital scene in Hall Pass
Gwinnett Medical Center, Gwinnett Place, GA 30096, USA
Rick and Fred find themselves in Fred's car, racing towards the hospital with Brent (Derek Waters) and the police hot on their heels. Upon reaching the hospital, Brent is arrested for his attack, and Fred discovers that Grace has merely broken her nose.
This high-octane hospital scene was filmed at the Gwinnett Medical Center, although it was referred to as Falmouth Hospital in the movie. The medical center continues to function today, so movie fans aren't permitted to explore its interiors.
To reach Gwinnett Medical Center, you can take I-85 N starting from downtown Atlanta. The journey should take around half an hour.
Conclusion
Hall Pass attempts to stretch the wild antics of your 20s and 30s into the 40s, envisioning a world without grown-up men. The narrative centers around two affable characters, but the movie's quest for likeability somewhat dilutes the comedic potential, as it often results in more laughs when characters find themselves in embarrassing situations.
The plot of Hall Pass is pretty straightforward, yet it fails to pack a punch. It follows the lead characters and their friends through a series of unsuccessful and quasi-slapstick situations, showcasing their cluelessness and immaturity. Meanwhile, their wives enjoy a delightful retreat, highlighting the contrast between how men and women react when freed from their marital ties.
Despite its lukewarm plot, Hall Pass excels in using authentic locations, mainly in Georgia, USA. These settings add a layer of realism to the fictional town of Fairhaven, where the story unfolds.
Regarding its contribution, Hall Pass presents a unique concept that could have been executed better. The Farrelly brothers' signature comedic style is evident, but the film falls short of the high bar set by their earlier work, There's Something About Mary (1998).
Overall, Hall Pass is a mixed bag. While it offers some humorous moments and exciting locations, the film's underwhelming plot and the miscasting of its lead actors may not appeal to all viewers. It's worth a watch for those interested in the Farrelly brothers' work or fans of the lead actors, but it might not resonate with everyone.