Where was Heavyweights filmed?
1995
City Locations
Hendersonville (USA), Flat Rock (USA), Asheville (USA), Laurel Park (USA)
Location Types
Intimate, Unique, Unusual
Location Styles
Camper, Cabin, Bus, Beachfront
About Heavyweights
"Heavyweights" is a heartwarming comedy film that hit the big screen in 1995. Directed by Steven Brill and produced by Joe Roth and Roger Birnbaum, the movie has since become a cult classic.
The story revolves around Gerald "Gerry" Garner, a good-natured, overweight kid sent to Camp Hope, a weight loss camp for boys. The camp, known for its fun and supportive environment, quickly becomes a nightmare when fitness fanatic Tony Perkis (played with gusto by Ben Stiller) takes over. Tony wants to turn the camp into a weight-loss infomercial, imposing a draconian regime on the unsuspecting campers.
Gerry and his fellow campers refuse Tony's oppressive tactics. They band together, staging a hilarious and triumphant rebellion against their tyrannical camp director. In unity and resilience, they restore the camp's original spirit of acceptance and fun, proving that they are more than their physical appearances.
A fun fact about "Heavyweights" is that it was one of Judd Apatow's early works. Before he became renowned for his comedic hits like "Knocked Up" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", Apatow co-wrote the script for "Heavyweights". He also served as an executive producer for the film. This fun-filled, empowering movie delivers laughs and carries a timeless message about self-acceptance and friendship.
"Heavyweights," a film that has garnered varying opinions from critics, holds a 38% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on eight reviews, and an average score of 5 out of 10. Metacritic, another review aggregator, awarded the film a score of 42 based on 16 reviews, indicating that the film received mixed or average reviews. CinemaScore gathered more positive responses, with the film receiving "A−" on a scale ranging from A to F.
Heavyweights Locations
The "Heavyweights" production team filmed in several beautiful places. North Carolina provided the backdrop for most scenes, with Camp Pinnacle and Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park offering filming settings.
Camp Pinnacle was the primary location of the made-up Camp Hope. This spot, tucked between lush trees and rolling hills, was the perfect place for the story. The film had a pleasant mood thanks to the camp's rustic look and quiet location. Besides being a crucial part of "Heavyweights," this location has also been used in other movies, such as the future "Summer Camp," which stars Kathy Bates and Diane Keaton.
Another place to visit was Jump Off Rock, a great vantage point with views of the area. This site gave the picture a sense of grandeur and scale, enriching the visual story better.
Anyone who loves movies or the outdoors should visit these areas. Exploring these places would be a unique way to relive memories from pop culture and enjoy nature.
The Road to the Camp Hope scene in Heavyweights
Flat Rock, North Carolina, USA
The boys pass through the cute little town to the challenges that await at camp. It sets the stage for the life-changing journey they are about to go on.
Flat Rock, North Carolina, is a charming village known for its rich history and scenic beauty. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's often called "Little Charleston of the Mountains" due to its historic homes and churches. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and the Flat Rock Playhouse, State Theater of North Carolina, are among the notable attractions. The town offers a serene retreat with abundant natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 19 miles away. From the airport or Asheville, take I-26 East towards Hendersonville. After about 15 miles, take exit 53 for Upward Road towards Flat Rock. Merge onto Upward Road, continue straight, and you will find yourself in the heart of Flat Rock's scenic beauty and charm.
Arrival at the Camp Hope scene in Heavyweights
Camp Pinnacle, 1 Wolfe Lake Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28739, United States
As the camp comes into view, the boys are greeted by a picturesque lakeside camp, with rustic cabins, sprawling fields, and a welcoming community of fellow campers. The boys are introduced to the camp through a cheerful song, "# Camp Hope, Camp Hope, a place for boys," which echoes through the campgrounds, enhancing the sense of camaraderie and anticipation.
Camp Pinnacle is a renowned summer camp in North Carolina, spread across a beautiful 126-acre campus. It offers a variety of activities like waterfront sports, creative arts, and adventure programs for children aged 5-15. The camp is known for its life-changing community experiences, cozy campfires, and delicious meals. It allows people to explore the camp's beauty through a virtual tour on their website
Get to Wolfe Lake Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28739 from Asheville via I-26 East toward Hendersonville. Exit onto US-64 West towards Laurel Park. Continue for about 15 miles, then turn right onto Wolfe Lake Drive. The entrance to Camp Pinnacle, a beacon for adventure and nostalgia, will be on your left, inviting you into its lush, vibrant world.
"Capture the Flag" game scene in Heavyweights
Camp Ton-A-Wandah, 300 W Ton A Wandah Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, United States
The trees and open space at the camp provide a setting for fun and games. Playing the game and figuring out how to get through the thick forest helps the boys get to know each other. The scene paints an image of the competitiveness and friendliness of summer camp.
Camp Ton-A-Wandah, located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is a traditional girls' summer camp known for its scenic beauty and vibrant activities. The camp, spread over 600 acres, offers diverse activities, including horseback riding, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and team sports. The camp emphasizes character development, and leadership skills, and promotes a spirit of camaraderie among campers, with a rich history dating back to 1933.
Reach 300 W Ton A Wandah Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739, from downtown Hendersonville via 5th Avenue toward Church Street. Take a slight right onto Laurel Park Hwy and continue for about 4 miles. Turn left onto Hebron Road and a quick right onto West Ton A Wandah Road. Continue straight, and Camp Ton-A-Wandah will be on your left, welcoming you into its rich history and natural beauty.
The Boys jumping from the rock scene in Heavyweights
Jump Off Rock, 4501 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739, United States
As the boys from the weight loss camp jump over the rock, the scene displays their braveness. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the background make the moment even more exciting and suspenseful. The boys' mix of fear and joy, with the breathtaking view, make for a striking and unforgettable movie scene.
Jump Off Rock, located in Laurel Park, North Carolina, is a scenic overlook known for its panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. The park, open daily from sunrise to sunset, is approximately 5 miles from downtown Hendersonville. It has a short forested trail system, offering a stunning view of rolling pastures. The location is free to the public and is a popular spot for residents and visitors alike.
Jump Off Rock is at 4501 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC, and you can get there from downtown Hendersonville. Drive west on 5th Avenue W, which becomes Laurel Park Hwy. Continue on this road for approximately 5 miles. This scenic overlook offers free public access, allowing visitors to enjoy its stunning views anytime from sunrise to sunset.
Conclusion
"Heavyweights," a 1995 Disney comedy, is a delightful journey through several gorgeous locations. The film unfolds at Camp Hope, a boys' weight loss camp primarily shot at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The camp's attractive location, nestled among lush forests and quiet lakes, adds charm and tranquillity to the plot.
One of the film's most memorable scenes, where the lads leap from a rock, was filmed at Jump Off Rock in Laurel Park, North Carolina. This venue, with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges, provides a breathtaking backdrop that heightens the thrill and excitement of the occasion.
Finally, "Heavyweights" brilliantly blends a thrilling story of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance via various beautiful settings, ranging from peaceful campsites to terrifying cliff edges. These breathtaking settings improve the visual experience and add to the film's enduring appeal.