Las Vegas, the dazzling city of lights, casinos, and larger-than-life experiences, has been a frequent backdrop for Hollywood films. From iconic mob dramas like “Casino” to hilarious romcoms like “Ocean’s Eleven,” Vegas provides a unique setting full of possibilities. However, nestled amidst the more well-known films is a collection of hidden gems, movies set in Vegas that often slip our minds.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit a few of these forgotten Vegas tales, exploring how they utilise the city’s unique atmosphere to tell their stories.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2: From the Mall to the Strip
Even if you prefer an online casino to the traditional fast-paced casino experience, you’ve probably got your favourite casino movies — some of which are most likely comedies, like “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2”.
Though not a critical darling, the sequel to “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” takes the overly enthusiastic security guard, Paul Blart (Kevin James), on a vacation to Las Vegas with his mother (Shirley Knight). Their supposedly relaxing trip takes a wild turn when criminals plot to steal a priceless artefact from the opulent Wynn Las Vegas resort casino.
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” provides some lighthearted Vegas-themed entertainment. The film showcases the opulence of high-end hotels and casinos, from the glittering chandeliers to the vast marble floors. It contrasts with Paul’s bumbling attempts to maintain order amidst the glamorous chaos. The high-stakes heist plot and the fish-out-of-water humour create a sense of comedic absurdity.
However, beyond the slapstick, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” also uses Vegas as a metaphor for Paul’s personal growth. The city, known for transforming dreams into reality, becomes a backdrop for Paul to step outside his comfort zone. Through his adventures, he learns to be more assertive and resourceful, proving that bravery can exist even in the most unexpected places.
Fright Night: A Vampire Hunt with a Vegas Twist
The 2011 remake of the classic horror-comedy “Fright Night” injects a dose of Vegas glitz into the vampire-slaying narrative. Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin), a teenager convinced his neighbour Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell) is a vampire, seeks the help of washed-up Las Vegas illusionist Roddy Valentine (David Tennant).
The film cleverly utilises Vegas’s vivid atmosphere — stages and hotel rooms are transformed into thrilling battlegrounds between Charley, Roddy, and the charismatic vampire Jerry. The iconic Bellagio fountains become a source of beauty and danger; their choreographed water displays mask a tense confrontation. The vibrant nightlife scene, with its scantily clad dancers and pulsating music, also plays a role. It provides a perfect camouflage for the undead Jerry to lure unsuspecting victims.
“Fright Night” reminds us that even in a city built on illusions, some monsters are too real. The film cleverly contrasts the dazzling magic tricks of Roddy Valentine with the gruesome “reality” of vampirism. The juxtaposition between Vegas’s outward showmanship and the dark underbelly of Jerry’s secret life creates a unique atmosphere of suspense and horror.
Godzilla: Vegas Gets Stomped by a Female MUTO
The 2014 monster-verse reboot “Godzilla” throws a giant-sized curveball at Las Vegas. Enter the Female MUTO, a monstrous insect drawn to the city’s vibrant lights and electromagnetic energy. Her arrival unleashes chaos as she tears through iconic landmarks like the Bellagio and the Venetian, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.
While the film primarily focuses on Godzilla’s global rampage, the Las Vegas sequence is a visually stunning and heart-pounding spectacle. Dazzling aerial shots showcase the sprawling cityscape bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. As the Female MUTO descends, the lights of the casinos flicker and then plunge into darkness. The destruction is awe-inspiring and terrifying, offering a glimpse of humanity’s vulnerability against such colossal creatures.
The Las Vegas sequence in “Godzilla” goes beyond simply showcasing destruction. It serves as a symbol of the fragility of civilisation and the potential consequences of environmental imbalance. The sight of the once vibrant Las Vegas reduced to rubble serves as a stark warning and a reminder of the power of nature.
Honey, I Blew Up the Kid: A Shrunken Adventure in the Neon Jungle
The 1992 family comedy “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid” takes an unexpected Vegas detour. After accidentally shrinking his son Adam (Rick Moranis) to the size of an action figure with his experimental growth ray, Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) frantically searches for a way to reverse the effects. Their chase for a giant ant that swallowed Adam leads them to the Flamingo Las Vegas, a hotel known for its pink flamingo habitat.
While the film primarily takes place in the suburbs, the Vegas sequence adds a layer of silliness and excitement. The giant flamingo habitat becomes a perilous jungle for the shrunken Adam. The towering pink birds transform into monstrous predators, their long legs and sharp beaks becoming formidable obstacles. The vibrant colours of the habitat, usually a source of kitschy charm, take on a surreal and intimidating quality from Adam’s perspective.
The iconic neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip also play a role in the film. From Adam’s vantage point, they become a dazzling display of colours and shapes, a far cry from the familiar streetlights of his neighbourhood. The bright lights create a sense of disorientation, adding to the feeling of being lost in a giant, unfamiliar world.
“Honey, I Blew Up the Kid” uses Vegas for comedic effect and to explore themes of perspective and imagination. From Adam’s shrunken viewpoint, the familiar elements of the Las Vegas landscape become fantastical and dangerous. This allows the film to explore the power of imagination and the wonder of seeing the world differently.
Final Words
So, watch for these hidden Vegas gems next time you watch channels or browse a streaming service. These forgotten films offer more than glimpses of the dazzling Las Vegas Strip. They utilise the city’s unique atmosphere to tell captivating stories, explore universal themes, and remind us that sometimes, the most unexpected places can hold hidden surprises.
The next time you find yourself in Sin City, take a moment to look beyond the neon lights and towering casinos. , a whole world of stories is waiting to be discovered in this unforgettable city, both in the films it has inspired and the vibrant life that unfolds within its borders.