Kindergarten Cop is a blend of action and humor that charmed audiences in the 1990s. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his roles in high-octane action films, this movie took a delightful turn as it placed the muscular star in an unfamiliar world—the classroom.
Under the direction of Ivan Reitman, Schwarzenegger portrays an undercover cop with the task of teaching young children, which leads to a series of comedic and heartwarming moments.
The production of Kindergarten Cop chose picturesque locations that contrasted sharply with the gritty urban backdrops typical of action cinema. The primary filming locations for the movie were in Astoria, Oregon and parts of California.
Astoria provided the quaint charm of the elementary school scenes, while California offered urban settings like the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana which anchored the film’s reality in recognizable American landscapes. Do you want to know more about where was Kindergarten Cop filmed? Let’s find out together!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Kindergarten Cop is an action-comedy featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in an unorthodox role
- The movie was primarily filmed in Astoria, Oregon, showcasing the elementary school
- Secondary locations included urban settings in California, such as the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana
Primary Filming Locations
The film “Kindergarten Cop” wove its magic in the picturesque settings of Astoria, Oregon, among other locales. This section peeks into the spots where Arnold Schwarzenegger chased laughs and lawbreakers with equal aplomb.
Astoria, Oregon Overview
Astoria cozies up in the northern stretch of the Oregon coast, exuding a small-town charm that’s hard to overlook. It’s not just a scenic getaway; this city earned a star on the map of Hollywood’s on-location shoots, particularly for “Kindergarten Cop”.
The sleepy town turned into a bustling film set, showcasing its beauty and earning a place in moviegoers’ hearts.
John Jacob Astor Elementary School Setting
John Jacob Astor Elementary School—the real star location—is actually Astor Elementary School on Franklin Avenue. It was transformed into the fictional “Astoria Elementary School”, where Schwarzenegger’s character, Det. Kimble, took on his most daunting mission yet: teaching kindergarten.
The school, and in turn the town itself, became an emblematic site for the movie’s fans.
Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach
Further weaving Oregon’s natural tapestry into the film’s backdrop, Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach took their turns in the cinematic spotlight.
Cannon Beach, famed for its dramatic coastline and the iconic Haystack Rock, offered the perfect visual drama to contrast the comical scenes. While Ecola State Park lent its lush, green vistas to the film, bolstering Oregon’s depiction as a bastion of natural beauty on the big screen.
Secondary Filming Locations
While the primary shoots of “Kindergarten Cop” took place in Oregon, several secondary scenes were filmed in various California locations, adding to the movie’s diverse backdrops.
California Scenes
California, specifically the Los Angeles area, provided the urban contrast to Oregon’s quaint charm. Kindergarten Cop utilized the bustling cityscape of LA, and even took advantage of one of Santa Ana’s popular shopping centers.
Main Place Mall, located at 2800 North Main Street, set the stage for the film’s initial mall sequence. The mall’s architecture and layout offered an authentic Southern California shopping experience that resonated with viewers.
Other Specific Spots
Beyond the mall, some of the movie’s scenes were captured within the iconic confines of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Although primarily known as a theme park and a hub for tourists longing to catch a glimpse of Hollywood magic, Universal Studios doubles as a state-of-the-art film and television production facility. Here, the versatility of studio sets allowed for creative staging without the need for long-distance location shoots.
Cast and Characters
The heart of Kindergarten Cop lies in its memorable cast, brought to life by a combination of star presence and character depth. Let’s take a closer look at who played whom in this family favorite film.
Main Characters
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Detective John Kimble: Known for his action-packed roles, Schwarzenegger showed a different side in Kindergarten Cop as a tough detective who softens up while undercover as a kindergarten teacher
- Penelope Ann Miller as Joyce Palmieri/Rachel Crisp: Miller portrays the caring and protective mother of the boy Kimble is searching for, balancing both vulnerability and strength in her performance.
- Pamela Reed as Detective Phoebe O’Hara: As Kimble’s partner, Reed provides humor and heart, assisting in both the investigation and the classroom
- Richard Tyson as Cullen Crisp: Tyson steps into the role of the antagonist, delivering a credible threat to the characters we come to care about
- Linda Hunt as Miss Schlowski: The stern principal with a perceptive eye, Hunt’s character keeps everyone in line with her strict demeanor and dry wit
Supporting Roles Insights
- Carroll Baker as Eleanor Crisp: Baker plays the domineering mother of Tyson’s character. Her portrayal adds to the family dynamic within the film’s villainous side
- Cathy Moriarty was initially going to bring life to one of the film’s roles, but her part in the movie was ultimately uncredited
- Elijah Wood appears in one of his earlier roles, showcasing his early talent as part of the kindergarten class that is central to the storyline
Movie Reception and Impact
When “Kindergarten Cop” debuted, it not only charmed audiences with its unique mix of comedy and action but also made a notable splash at the box office.
Box Office and Critical Response
“Kindergarten Cop” opened in theaters with a PG-13 rating, quickly gaining traction among moviegoers. It amassed a gross of over $202 million worldwide, underscoring its commercial success.
Critics had mixed feelings; while some appreciated the film’s charm and the novel blend of genres, others were more reserved in their praise. Notably, Roger Ebert bestowed the film a modest review, acknowledging its appeal but critiquing its tonal shifts.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
The film left a lasting impression, not merely as a box office hit, but in how it nestled into the cultural fabric. The charm that defined it resounded well beyond the initial release, as audiences continued to enjoy the movie through various formats, including its streaming release on digital platforms.
The comedy film struck a chord for blending lighthearted humor with action elements, creating a template that would inspire similar films in the future. Its quotes and scenes have remained a part of the social lexicon, popping up in conversations and memes, showcasing its enduring legacy.
Behind The Scenes
While “Kindergarten Cop” might look like a lighthearted comedy on the surface, the efforts behind the scenes were marked by ingenuity as well as real-life challenges that the cast and crew had to overcome. Let’s peel back the curtain to see where the magic happened. We talked about where was Kindergarten Cop filmed. Let’s talk about what happened behind the scenes.
Production Insights
Ivan Reitman, the director known for his deft touch in comedies, led the creation of this beloved American film.
The production tapped into Astoria, Oregon’s innate charm, as this coastal town set the stage for the fictional Astor Elementary School where detective John Kimble, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, went undercover as a kindergarten teacher.
The film’s connection to Astoria is so cherished that it even became part of the Oregon Film Trail, a collection of locations celebrated for their roles in cinematic history.
Astoria’s historic buildings and scenic backdrops weren’t just chosen at random – they mirror the idyllic yet complex setting the story demanded, showing Universal Pictures’ commitment to authentic storytelling.
One can imagine the production team exploring Astoria’s charming streets to find the perfect spots that would make viewers feel right at home.
Challenges and Anecdotes
Every film faces its hurdles, and “Kindergarten Cop” was no exception.
Working with a classroom full of actual children meant dealing with unpredictability and maintaining an environment conducive to their well-being, all while capturing the necessary shots.
Schwarzenegger, primarily known for action roles, had to transition from a tough-guy image to the warm-hearted, albeit initially out-of-his-depth, kindergarten teacher John Kimble.
This role offered him a new level of audience appeal and showcased his range as an actor.
Anecdotes from the set include moments of Schwarzenegger wrangling the youthful cast and creating a bond with the children.
His interactions, initially challenging due to his authoritative persona, eventually turned into cherished experiences that added to the film’s heart.
Behind the scenes, it was a mix of patience, collaboration, and the occasional light-hearted chaos only a group of kindergartners could bring.
