Where was Idle Hands filmed?
1999
City Locations
Pasadena, Culver City, CA (USA)
Location Types
House, Cafe, School, Office, Film Studio
Location Styles
Building Dated/Retro, Rustic, School
About Idle Hands
Released in 1999, Idle Hands is a hit among fans of quirky films because of its unusual combination of teen horror and comedy. Rodman Flender's film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Vivica A. Fox, Jessica Alba, Elden Henson, Seth Green, and Devon Sawa.
The story follows Anton Tobias (Devon Sawa), an average slacker adolescent whose hand becomes demon-possessed and continues his deadly rampage even after his body is severed. The plot incorporates the saying, "The devil makes work for idle hands" or "idle hands are the Devil's play-things," with a horrifically comedic spin.
Despite its unconventional approach, Idle Hands did not receive any particular accolades upon its release. The critics ' generally unfavorable reception was part of the box office's initial letdown. However, a devoted fan base has grown over the years, owing to the film's exceptional cast and unique combination of genres. Idle Hands reminds us that films can achieve cult status among cinema buffs who love their unique blend of horror and comedy even without widespread box office success or critical praise.
Idle Hands Locations
The gorgeous town of Pasadena, with its charming neighborhoods and famous landmarks, was the primary location for filming Idle Hands. Most of the film's scenes were shot among a cluster of houses on Madison Ave and Jackson St, using this unusual site; the house on the corner was actually Anton's (Devon Sawa) residence.
The house of Molly (Jessica Alba) was across the street, and Randy's (Jack Noseworthy) was right next door. The Burger Jungle, a crucial setting in the film, was located at 14900 Hawthorne Boulevard, Lawndale, California, which added to the area's cinematic appeal.
Interestingly, Pasadena has a rich film history backdrop, having also been the location for the 1978 original Halloween film. Historic homes, tree-lined lanes, and proximity to prominent attractions in Southern California, such as the Rose Bowl Stadium and Norton Simon Museum, define this area.
Fans of the horror-comedy subgenre or the film itself may find visiting the film's shooting sites an enjoyable and educational outing. Tourists may get a feel for the famous area, see where the scenes were shot, and maybe even understand more about the making of the film.
Anton’s house scene in Idle Hands
1034 N Madison Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA
As Mr. (Fred Willard) and Mrs. Tobias (Connie Ray) get ready for bed, they notice an ominous message on their ceiling and a strange noise from outside. Mr. Tobias ventures out to investigate the sound while Mrs. Tobias, filled with dread, dials for police assistance. However, before she can relay her fears, she is dragged under the bed and killed in a terrifying turn of events.
Meanwhile, their lazy stoner son Anton (Devon Sawa) remains oblivious to these horrifying occurrences, not noticing his parents' absence for seven days. This scene sets the tone for the movie's blend of horror and comedy, presenting a grim situation through a lens of dark humor.
The Tobias family home, where this iconic scene was filmed, is located at 1034 North Madison Avenue in Pasadena, California. Despite the passage of years, the house has retained its appearance from the film as a tangible link to the movie's memorable moments. However, it's important to note that the house is likely a private residence and may not be open for public tours. Fans can view the house from the street, appreciating its cinematic history from a respectful distance.
To reach this location, if you are in downtown Pasadena, head north on Fair Oaks Avenue. Turn right onto E Mountain Street and then take a left onto N Madison Avenue. The road will take up to 10 minutes by car and the house will be on your right-hand side. Please remember to respect the privacy of the current residents when visiting.
Anton visits Molly scene in Idle Hands
599 E Jackson Street, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA
Under the influence of his possessed hand, Anton (Devon Sawa) finds himself at the doorstep of his crush, Molly (Jessica Alba). The sequence begins with a comical altercation between Anton and his rebellious hand over the control of a TV remote, which results in his cat being launched across the street. This incident forces Anton to venture outside, and under the control of his hand, he ends up ringing Molly's doorbell. This unexpected visit sparks the beginning of their relationship, marking a significant turning point in the film's narrative.
Molly's house, where this pivotal scene occurs, is positioned directly across from Anton's house at 599 E Jackson Street. However, the property has since been transformed into the Corporation For Healthcare Marketing Center and may not resemble its appearance in the movie. Despite this change, fans can still visit the location and explore the surrounding areas, including the beautiful Washington Park and the quaint neighborhoods of Washington Square and Orange Heights.
If you're in downtown Pasadena, head east on N Los Robles Ave to get to this location. As always, please respect the privacy and operations of the current occupants when visiting. All other houses are nearby, so you can enjoy the atmosphere entirely.
Anton catches Randy scene in Idle Hands
Wienerschnitzel, 14900 Hawthorne Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260, USA
Debi LeCure (Vivica A. Fox), a druidic high priestess, is on a mission to track down the spirit causing a series of murders nationwide. Fans might remember the scene where Randy (Jack Noseworthy) approaches Debi near the Burger Jungle to offer her comfort. Suddenly, Anton (Devon Sawa) shows up, and his possessed hand starts acting out. He attempts to converse with Randy near his monster truck, but Randy quickly drives away in his vehicle. Anton then pursues him, eventually catching up at the Burger Jungle.
This scene is filled with tension and chaos, offering a thrilling blend of horror and comedy, a hallmark of the film. The iconic Burger Jungle serves as a fascinating backdrop, enhancing the overall ambiance of the scene.
The Burger Jungle scenes were filmed at 14900 Hawthorne Boulevard in Lawndale, California. This location is now home to a Wienerschnitzel café, a popular chain known for its hot dogs. Boasting nearly 350 locations worldwide, Wienerschnitzel serves over 120 million hot dogs annually and is renowned for its unique chili from a secret recipe.
Those in downtown Los Angeles can reach the destination by driving south on I-110 S, which usually takes around 23 minutes. Alternatively, public transportation is available, but it may require several transfers. Once you arrive at the Hawthorne / 147th stop, the Wienerschnitzel café is just a three-minute walk away. It will be located on your right-hand side.
The school scenes in Idle Hands
Susan Miller Dorsey High School, 3537 Farmdale Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90016, USA
Mick (Seth Green) and Pnub (Elden Henson) attend the Halloween dance to protect Molly (Jessica Alba) despite their terrible look, which others mistake for a costume. At the same time, Anton (Devon Sawa) desperately tries to locate his possessed hand.
The hand eventually makes its way into the principal's office, where it brutally murders him while he's having an explicit phone call. Randy (Jack Noseworthy) and Debi (Vivica A. Fox) encounter Anton at the same time. Even though they want to murder him to end the evil, they quickly discover that Anton has severed his hand, and it is now running amok around the building.
Filming took place at 3537 Farmdale Avenue, Los Angeles's Susan Miller Dorsey High School, for this exciting sequence. The Fabelmans, Steven Spielberg's 2022 semi-autobiographical film, is one of many films set in the historic school, which first welcomed students in 1937. Fans interested in seeing this famous set should get in touch with the school's management to find out whether they can have a tour of the building.
There are two primary ways to travel from the center of Los Angeles — by car or bus. If you choose to drive, it typically takes 15 minutes via I-10 W, although this can vary based on traffic conditions. Alternatively, taking the bus is also an option, but be prepared for an hour-long journey, which includes several transfers.
Anton finds the note at the ceiling scene in Idle Hands
Sony Pictures Studios, 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
After Molly (Jessica Alba) exits the room, Mick (Seth Green) and Pnub (Elden Henson) head to the SnackMaster in the hallway, turning off the lights as they leave Anton (Devon Sawa) alone. Looking up at the ceiling, Anton discovers a message written in glow-in-the-dark paint that reads, "I'M UNDER THE BED". His screams for Mick and Pnub fill the air, leading to a humorous moment as they jest about how they wrote the sign and how Anton's scream resembles a girl’s.
This scene and several others were filmed at the historic Sony Pictures Studios. Established in 1912, this facility is owned by Sony Pictures and is home to major film studios such as TriStar Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Screen Gems. It served as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's original studio from 1924 to 1986.
The lot currently houses sixteen separate sound stages and has been the filming site for numerous shows, including The Queen Latifah Show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, The King of Queens, and The Goldbergs. Fans can experience this iconic location firsthand through daily studio tours open to the public.
To get to Sony Pictures Studios, it is a 25-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles via I-10 W. Public transportation is also available, but it will take longer, approximately an hour, with several transfers.
Conclusion
Idle Hands (1999) is a teen horror movie that puts an energetic, comic twist to the genre. The film stands out with its unique concept of a possessed, disembodied hand causing havoc, a plot device that lends itself to numerous comedic and macabre moments. While the film doesn't always hit the mark, it showcases a spirited attempt at horror-comedy, akin to swinging at a pitch with full enthusiasm.
The performances in the film are commendable, particularly Devon Sawa's physical comedy as Anton, the unfortunate teenager afflicted by demonic possession. Seth Green also shines as one of the two deceased stoner friends who deliver witty one-liners, adding to the film's offbeat humor.
The filming locations in Pasadena add another layer of interest to the film; the picturesque neighborhoods and iconic landmarks create a visually pleasing backdrop for the movie's events. The fact that most of the film was shot within a cluster of houses on Madison Ave and Jackson St gives the movie a tight-knit community feel.
As for its contribution to the movie industry, Idle Hands exemplifies how horror and comedy can be blended into a film, presenting a different take on the often serious genre. While it may not have revolutionized the industry, it certainly adds to the diversity of films available to audiences. It's worth watching for those who enjoy this genre, and visiting the filming locations could be an exciting trip for movie enthusiasts, especially those interested in horror-comedy or movie fans.