Where was Mallrats filmed?
1995
City Locations
Eden Prairie (USA), Minneapolis (USA), New Brunswick (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Universal City (USA)
Location Types
House, Storefront, Unique, Unusual
Location Styles
Parking Lot, Modern Building, Modern Car
About Mallrats
Mallrats is a 1995 American buddy comedy film written and directed by Kevin Smith. The story revolves around two dumped friends, T.S. and Brodie, who seek refuge at a New Jersey mall. As they navigate the mall, they encounter a series of comedic adventures and mishaps, all while trying to win back their girlfriends.
Upon its release, Mallrats faced substantial criticism, with many reviewers unfavorably comparing it to Kevin Smith's previous work, "Clerks." In a negative review, critic Roger Ebert awarded the film 1.5 out of 4 stars, recalling a prior encounter with Smith where he jokingly expressed willingness to comply with studio demands. At the 1996 Independent Spirit Awards, Smith jokingly apologized for Mallrats, though later clarified that it was not a genuine apology. However, despite the initial backlash, the film gained a dedicated fan base after its video release.
According to Kevin Smith's introduction, a significant portion of the scenes in the film underwent revisions due to negative feedback from the test audience. The theatrical release featured certain dialogue that was re-dubbed, but this version restores the original dialogue. For instance, in the original cut, the man who approaches T.S. and gets punched near the end asks if he had seen T.S. on CNN, whereas in the theatrical version, he asks T.S. if he was the one who broke up with Brandi Svenning. Additionally, there are noticeable jump cuts in some of the extended scenes.
Mallrats Locations
Mallrats, the 1995 comedy film directed by Kevin Smith, was primarily filmed in Minnesota, particularly at the Eden Prairie Center Mall in Eden Prairie. This iconic shopping center served as the main backdrop for many scenes in the movie. With its sprawling layout and distinctive architecture, the mall provided an authentic setting for the hilarious misadventures of the characters. The surrounding area of Eden Prairie offers picturesque landscapes and various landmarks that add to the charm of the filming locations. While the film was also shot at other undisclosed locations in Minneapolis, a visit to the Eden Prairie Center Mall would undoubtedly be a treat for movie fans who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Mallrats.
Fun Fact
Did you know Mallrats was the second film in Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse series? It features recurring characters and references from his debut film, "Clerks." Additionally, it gained a cult following for its witty dialogue, pop culture references, and memorable performances by the cast.
T.S. arriving at Brandi's house scene in Mallrats
414 S Rimpau Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
In the movie Mallrats, there is a scene where T.S. Quint (Jeremy London) arrives at Brandi's (Claire Forlani) house to pick her up for a road trip, which leads to significant plot developments. This moment sets the stage for the characters' journey and introduces elements that drive the story forward.
South Rimpau Boulevard is a prominent street located in Los Angeles, California. It is home to various residential properties, including luxurious houses with multiple bedrooms and baths. The boulevard features beautiful architectural masterpieces, such as Spanish-style homes. South Rimpau Boulevard offers convenient access to nearby amenities and attractions, making it an attractive area for potential homeowners. The street also provides easy connectivity to other parts of Los Angeles.
Navigate toward the Hancock Park neighborhood to get to 414 S Rimpau Blvd, Los Angeles. Use a GPS or navigation app to guide you. Follow South Rimpau Boulevard until you reach 414 S Rimpau Blvd.
At the mall scene in Mallrats
Eden Prairie Center Mall, 8251 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN
One notable scene involves Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith), two characters in the film. In this scene, the duo is shown navigating through the mall for solace after being dumped by their girlfriends.
Eden Prairie Center Mall, located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, stands as a beloved shopping haven, offering an array of diverse shops and restaurants. Boasting over 100 stores and a delightful atmosphere, visitors can relish many shopping options featuring renowned brands such as Buckle, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, and many more. Moreover, the mall houses captivating entertainment facilities, making it the ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and merriment in the southwest metro area.
Once you've arrived in Eden Prairie, head towards the intersection of I-494 and Flying Cloud Drive. Utilize a GPS or navigation app to guide you precisely to Eden Prairie Center Mall, which is situated at 8251 Flying Cloud Dr. Simply follow the directions provided by the app or follow the signs leading you directly to the mall.
At the flea market scene in Mallrats
U.S. 1 Flea Market (AMC New Brunswick 18) 17 US-1, New Brunswick, NJ
Brandi's father, Jared (Michael Rooker), falsely accuses Brodie (Jason Lee) and T.S. of drug possession, leading to their arrest at the mall. Fortunately, Jay and Silent Bob come to the rescue, enabling them to escape and seek shelter at a nearby flea market. There, they encounter Ivannah (Priscilla Barnes), a fortune teller who offers guidance on their relationship troubles. Inspired by Ivannah's advice, T.S. resolves to win back Brandi's affection, and together they return to the mall.
U.S. 1 Flea Market, situated in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a prominent indoor flea market that thrived from the 1970s to 1996. Covering a vast 20-acre area off Route 1, it housed approximately 100 merchants offering diverse goods. Unfortunately, in the early 1990s, it was demolished to pave the way for constructing an expansive Lowe's Movie Theater complex.
Once in New Brunswick, navigate towards US-1, which runs through the city. Use a GPS or navigation app to guide you to 17 US-1 in New Brunswick. Follow the directions provided by the app or follow the signs to reach your destination.
Conclusion
In the cinematic landscape of Mallrats, the tapestry of diverse locations across the United States forms an integral backdrop to the narrative. From the charming streets of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, to the vibrant urban pulse of Minneapolis, the film breathes life into these locales. New Brunswick, another significant setting, adds depth and authenticity, contributing its unique essence to the storyline.
However, the film's journey extends beyond the Midwest as it finds its way to the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Here, the vibrancy of the cityscape becomes a canvas for the characters' exploits and adventures. With its iconic studios and dynamic atmosphere, Universal City provides a fitting stage for the film's grander moments, encapsulating the essence of Hollywood's allure.
The amalgamation of these distinct locations underscores the richness and diversity of the American landscape, serving as more than mere backdrops but as integral components that infuse authenticity and depth into the storytelling. Through this expansive canvas spanning from the heartland to the glamour of Hollywood, Mallrats encapsulates the essence of varied American settings, adding layers of realism and vibrancy to its cinematic narrative.