(along with Jon Heder and Jim O’Heir)
by Melanie Jongsma
CHICAGO, Ill. (December 5, 2018) – “I spent over two years scouting around 40 bowling alleys around Los Angeles. All were too big or too small, too modern, too expensive. It was not until a trip home to Chicago that I found a location that had me in tears: It was everything I pictured, nearly an exact replica of the concept art I had drawn years previous. The history and the character in the walls of this alley was just unbeatable. Filming in a small midwestern town, surrounded by my childhood friends and family, was a major driving force in creating this film. The community’s generosity and kindness shine through the finished product and it is clear this story has been through the hands and hearts of many.”
This quote is from Kendall Goldberg, Director of When Jeff Tried to Save the World. She’s talking about Lansing’s Lan-Oak Lanes.
Goldberg is a Munster native. She and her crew were here in Lansing in August of 2017 to film the indie film, which stars Jon Heder, of Napoleon Dynamite fame. Jim O’Heir, of the television series Parks and Recreation, plays a supporting role.
Before the film is officially released, it will premiere in Chicago’s Music Box Theater tonight and tomorrow night:
- Wednesday, December 5
- 7:15pm – Doors Open
- 8:15pm – Screening Starts, Q&A to follow (Cast/Crew In Attendance)
- Thursday, December 6
- 8:45pm – Doors Open
- 9:45pm – Screening Starts, Q&A to follow (Cast/Crew In Attendance)
Visit Music Box Theater’s online ticket booth for tickets:
For those who can’t make it to Chicago for the premier, the trailer is available here:
- Trailer: When Jeff Tried to Save the World
The movie can also be pre-ordered from iTunes at that link.
For those interested in the story of the filming at Lan-Oak Lanes, that story is available here:
- Lan-Oak Lanes attracts film crew (August 2017 article)
For those who want to visit the now-famous set in person, Lan-Oak Lanes is located at 2524 Ridge Road.
For those who just want to see some still shots of scenes featuring Lansing’s Lan-Oak Lanes, photos from Kendall Goldberg’s press kit appear below.
Lan-Oak Lanes is located at 2524 Ridge Road in Lansing, Illinois.
Looks like a fun movie. I grew up in Lansing, my mom bowled weekly at Lan-Oak Lanes for many years so I was there often. I was even on a summer league for kids a couple of summers. So cool to see my hometown icon in a movie. Can’t wait to see it. Too bad I cannot make it to the premier in Chicago.