America on Film: ‘50 Movies for 50 States’

Travel Blog  •  Eva Holland  •  07.07.09 | 12:47 PM ET

Here’s one more leftover tidbit from the just-past holiday weekend: the film fanatics over at Rotten Tomatoes have put together a list of 50 movies for 50 states, in which each selection “features something special about the geography, history, or people of a particular state.”

Some picks are obvious (“Rocky” for Pennsylvania, “Oklahoma!” for Oklahoma) while others link movies and places that I never realized were connected (who knew “Fight Club” was set in Delaware?), but all contribute to a compelling whole. If you’re skeptical about a pick, chances are the description will convince you. Here’s a sample, justifying “Napoleon Dynamite” as the Idaho pick:

On first pass, it appears Napoleon Dynamite gives Idaho a bad rap. People are weird, quirky, or hopelessly clumsy. Everyone dresses like Scritti Politti’s about to roll into town. There’s nothing for kids to do but hurt themselves on ill-devised stunt ramps and learn dubious hip-hop dance moves. But remember we all loved this movie for a reason. In the universe of Napoleon Dynamite, Idaho transforms into a goofball’s paradise, a carefree land where everyone saunters along in thrift store clothing, tetherball rules, and tater tots—the great Idaho contribution—are things to be stuffed into pockets and truly cherished.

Did Rotten Tomatoes get your home state right? What are some of your favorite state-movie combos?

Tags: Movies, Pop Culture Travel, North America, United States, Shrinking Planet

Eva Holland is co-editor of World Hum. She is a former associate editor at Up Here and Up Here Business magazines, and a contributor to Vela. She's based in Canada's Yukon territory.


1 Comment for America on Film: ‘50 Movies for 50 States’

Chris 07.07.09 | 3:22 PM ET

Next they should do the US territories!

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