Sacramento takes the spotlight this weekend in a big way — not for its politics or produce, but for its starring role in a heartfelt road comedy that hits theaters nationwide today.
Sacramento, directed by and starring Michael Angarano, blends personal reflection with California scenery in a film that follows two old friends — Rickey (Angarano) and Glenn (Michael Cera) — as they embark on an impromptu road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento. With Kristen Stewart playing Glenn’s pregnant wife and Maya Erskine as a central figure in Rickey’s life, the film weaves together humor, friendship, and a sense of longing for meaning and connection.
Opening to general audiences after a successful premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival last summer, the film lands especially close to home for locals. Shot extensively in and around Sacramento during spring 2023, Sacramento turns the capital city into more than just a destination — it’s a character in its own right.
From the golden glow of Tower Bridge to the neon of Dive Bar, and the historic boardwalks of Old Sacramento, the film is filled with visuals that Sacramentans will recognize immediately. Other filming locations include Gunther’s Ice Cream, Downtown Sacramento, East Sacramento, the R Street Corridor, 35th Street and Folsom Boulevard, and the scenic River Walk Park in West Sacramento, with the West Sacramento Ziggurat rising in the backdrop.
The production also ventured outside the city to bring the rest of the road trip to life. Scenes were filmed in Pollock Pines, nestled in the Sierra foothills, adding a tranquil forested vibe to the journey. Additional filming took place in Los Angeles, where the characters begin their trip, as well as in Santa Clarita and Pomona, popular filming locations for their versatility and access to open road settings.
The story behind the film’s creation is nearly as spontaneous as the road trip it portrays. A decade ago, after working on a television pilot that never aired, Angarano took a drive with fellow actor and eventual co-writer Chris Smith. A freeway sign pointing to Sacramento sparked a conversation that later became a screenplay. What began as a joke between friends evolved into a deeply personal story about growth, regret, and the complicated beauty of long-term friendship.
“Sacramento was a movie-making experience that was truly one of a kind,” Angarano said this week while promoting the release. “It’s also a very personal film for me… and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to tell this story in a place as special as Sacramento.”
While Angarano once appeared in the critically acclaimed Almost Famous, which partially filmed in Sacramento, his scenes were shot elsewhere. This time, however, he made sure the city got its moment in the spotlight.
The result is an 89-minute indie comedy that pairs laugh-out-loud moments with tender introspection — all set against the streets and sights of a place many know simply as home.
Sacramento is rated R and opens in select theaters Friday, April 11.
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