Where was Just Wright filmed?
2010
City Locations
New York City, NY (USA), East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA)
Location Types
Apartment, School, Gym
Location Styles
Colonial, American Art Deco, Modern Building, Contemporary Modern
About Just Wright
Just Wright, a romantic comedy released in 2010, is directed by the award-winning Sanaa Hamri. Starring Queen Latifah, Paula Patton, and Common, the movie follows the captivating tale of an ardent basketball fan turned physical therapist, Leslie Wright, and a professional basketball player, Scott McKnight.
The story vividly illustrates how authentic love can flourish in the most unexpected situations. Through a serendipitous meeting and mutual passion for basketball and jazz, Leslie (Queen Latifah) unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a romantic dilemma. Her close friend, Morgan (Paula Patton), also falls for Scott (Common), creating a complex web of emotions and relationships. Yet, in the face of this predicament, Leslie proves her loyalty when Scott decides to propose to Morgan.
However, the story takes a dramatic turn when Scott suffers a career-threatening injury, and Leslie steps in as his physical therapist. As they bond over their recovery journey, the lines of friendship and love blur, leading to a heartwarming confession of their true feelings. The film concludes on a hopeful note, with Leslie doing what she loves best and cheering for her now-husband, Scott.
Just Wright Locations
Just Wright (2010) is a delightful romantic comedy filmed in various iconic locations across New York City, lending a unique charm to the film's narrative. The production made extensive use of Regis High School and the globally recognized Rucker Park in Manhattan, as well as numerous sites throughout Brooklyn. The backdrop of these vibrant areas, with their lively streets, towering skyscrapers, and cultural landmarks, provides an engaging and authentic setting for the film.
Most of the scenes were shot at prominent locales such as Meadowlands Arena, known as Izod Center at the time of filming, and Scott's Apartment, situated at the intersection of East 63rd Street and 5th Avenue. These locations, steeped in the city's rich history, lend a sense of realism and depth to the film.
Starring two Grammy-winning rappers who transitioned into acting, the film also boasts cameo appearances from former NBA superstars, further adding to its appeal. A visit to the filming locations of Just Wright would undoubtedly be a rewarding experience for movie fans. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse tapestry of New York City and follow in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
Leslie goes to the Scott's birthday party scene in Just Wright
5th Ave & E 63rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
After enjoying a thrilling Nets basketball game, Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) unexpectedly crosses paths with Scott McKnight (Common), the team's star player, at a local gas station. Displaying her innate kindness and charm, Leslie assists Scott, leading him to invite her to his birthday party. At the party, Leslie arrives with Morgan (Paula Patton), her god-sister, who quickly captures Scott's attention, setting in motion a complex love triangle.
The scenes at Scott's apartment were filmed at the intersection of East 63rd Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, the most densely populated borough of New York City. Known as "the Big Apple," Manhattan is a bustling hub of commercial, financial, and cultural activity. The location is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square with neon lights, and the renowned theaters of Broadway.
To get to this location, one can take the 5th Ave-59th St Station subway and walk a few blocks north to East 63rd Street. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare service can be used to reach the intersection directly. Please note that the apartment is not accessible to visitors. Therefore, only exterior observations are possible.
Scott was injured at the game scene in Just Wright
Meadowlands Arena, 50 NJ-120, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA
A critical turning point occurred during the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, where Scott McKnight (Common) suffered a significant injury on the court that threatened to derail his successful basketball career. This scene delivers a profound emotional punch, as viewers are left wondering about Scott's fate and how it will impact the evolving relationships in the film.
This pivotal scene was filmed at the Meadowlands Arena, also known as the Izod Center. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this indoor sports and concert venue was initially built to house the New Jersey Nets basketball team, making it a fitting location for filming an NBA game. Following its closure, the arena has been transformed and utilized as a rehearsal space for grand concert tours and as a filming location for various video and television projects. Starting in 2018, NBC has rented the venue to shoot prime-time drama series, further enriching its legacy in the realm of entertainment.
Getting to the Meadowlands Arena is relatively straightforward, especially for New York City residents. One can take a train from Penn Station in Manhattan to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to a train bound for Meadowlands Station. From there, shuttle buses are available to take visitors to the Meadowlands Sports Complex, where the arena is located. Alternatively, if driving, one can take the New Jersey Turnpike to Route 3 West, following signs for the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
Scott's gym game scene in Just Wright
Regis High School, 55 E 84th St, New York, NY 10028, USA
At the gym, we see Scott (Common), the star basketball player, back on the court despite his injury. As he plays the game, team members and others evaluate his performance, assessing the impact of his injury on his abilities. The tension and uncertainty in this scene are palpable as viewers are left wondering about the future of Scott's career.
The filming location for this scene was Regis High School, a private all-boys Roman Catholic secondary institution in New York City guided by Jesuit principles. The school, established in 1914 through a generous donation from Julia M. Grant, is nestled between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue on 85th Street. The school structure, which was just partially finished in 1914, lends a genuine scholastic ambiance to the scene in the movie.
Navigating to Regis High School is a fairly simple endeavor. If you happen to be in New York City, hop on the subway and disembark at the 86th Street Station. From there, a brief stroll southward for a few blocks will bring you right to the school's doorstep. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or rideshare service to get to the location directly. However, since the school is not open to the public, contacting the administration for any visit-related queries is recommended.
Conclusion
Just Wright is a heartwarming romantic comedy that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. The film's charm rests heavily on the shoulders of Queen Latifah, whose radiant positivity and authenticity shine throughout the movie. She embodies her character with such conviction and natural ease that she commands every scene she's in, making it impossible to look away.
The script of Just Wright is well-crafted, offering a fresh take on the classic love story. The gradual blossoming of love between the characters is more engaging and realistic than love at first sight, making the narrative more captivating. The co-star, Common, compliments Latifah's performance well, providing a balanced dynamic between the lead characters. While not overly demanding, his performance is solid and contributes positively to the overall chemistry and believability of the on-screen romance.
The film's production made excellent use of various locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, including Regis High School and the famous Rucker Park. These vibrant settings, with their bustling streets and iconic landmarks, add an authentic touch to the film and contribute significantly to its visual appeal.
Just Wright is definitely worth watching. It’s a feel-good movie that offers a delightful blend of romance, humor, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of New York. The film is a reminder of why specific formulas work and continue to captivate audiences.