Jake’s Corner, The Movie
Posted by Belle on 02 Jun 2007 at 09:56 pm | Tagged as: Jake's Corner
Isn’t he the cutest? He is friendly and approachable, too. Colton Rodgers is 11 years old from Arizona. He auditioned for the part of a little 8-year old boy, among hundreds of other young kids in the state of Arizona and was selected to make his feature film debut in the movie, Jake’s Corner. Is he a budding future star? Well, if he does a good job in this movie, with his looks and charm, there is no doubt about it.
Many of you would probably wonder how in the world I happened to pose with the child actor the fact that I live quite a ways from the city. Well, a friend of mine at work, Di, has been raving about the movie, Jake’s Corner, which is currently being filmed locally for some time now. Di is the girlfriend of the owner of Jake’s Corner Bar. At first, I couldn’t follow and didn’t seem to be interested until one day when she brought an album full of pictures of the cast of the movie. It had pictures of many great actors and some actresses that she took from the movie set– something worth the drive. So, off we went. 
How many of you recognize this guy? He has the lead role in the movie, mind you. The moment Di saw him coming, she quickly clued me in. I immediately took his picture which didn’t come out good. Darn it! He actually looks better in person.
Does Richard Tyson ring a bell to you? Are any of you familiar with these movies: Black Hawk Down, Kindergarten Cop, There’s Something About Mary, Me, Myself, and Irene, Three O’clock High, and Two Moon Junction? Richard is known for his roles in such films.
I was hoping I could get a picture of him and me together but it was just impossible to find him idled. And I wasn’t sure if he would take the time out of his busy schedule to pose with me anyway. But he spoke with me for a minute and that became the highlight of my day..hehe. He told me that he made a movie in Bohol, Philippines many many years back with a filipino actor who he could only remember by his first name, Rene. He thought that Bohol was pretty.
Tim Comstock, a co-producer of Jake’s Corner, is very friendly and very accommodating. When my friend, Di, told him that I am a blogger, he was pleased to pose for me all smiles. What a cool guy! Tim actually produced and wrote This Old House, which has proven to be the most financially successful documentaries in the last 30 years. He also worked in film production and music supervision of the very successful independent film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
This is the Jake’s Corner Bar where the movie is being filmed. It is about 20-minute-drive from my place, about 4 miles from Beeline Highway on SR 88. Jeff Santo, a writer/director of the movie chanced upon this area and fell in love with it because of the rustic charm and beauty of this simple town consisting of a bar, a store, and nice friendly people that he decided to make it as backdrop for his next movie. The movie is fictional but the town is real. It is a story about a guy who was a former University of Arizona Heisman Trophy winner, who after a family tragedy, disappeared from the limelight, and was forced to care for his nephew who had survived from a tragedy of his own. His life changed drastically as soon as the boy moved in with him.
This is Rick Heppler, the owner of the bar. He is such a nice guy and made us feel comfortable. He designed the outside bar which you can see in the picture. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, he serves delicious and mouth-watering dinner which is consist of fish, shrimp, chicken, hotdogs, humburgers, and steaks. He also hosts a local live band on these nights. I thought I would bring my daughter here on one of the nights to sing.
Jakes Corner, the Movie
Glad you had a nice time at the bar. It must have been fun to meet some people in showbiz. Who knows, you might be discovered by an agent.
Have you ever wanted to be in the limelight?
BTW, I emailed the interview questions. Have fun answering them.
Belle, I always find your story amusing and interesting to read. Of all the movies you mentioned above, I only know My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It was one of the funniest cultural shock kind of movie and I have watched it several times on the television home movie here.
Two Moon Junction – 1988? an erotic movie. Richard Tyson and Sherilyn Fenn make a gorgeous couple in there. He looks older now eh? I think I saw him in CSI series few years back.
Naks hobnobbing with the stars
hey, This is a COOL blog. Just letting you know that Colton AKA Spence in the movie is my son. I didn’t even know you got a photo of him thanks for the great posting!
Tammy
mom
I had my picture taken with Richard Tyson. As a long-time admirer of his movies and him, I visited my best friend Tammy (Colton’s Mom) on the Jake’s Corner set last Friday & Saturday June 1st & 2nd. On Saturday morning before I left we had a chance to see a break in Richards filming and snagged him for some pics. He then took the opportunity to get out some photos he had made of him on the set to sign and give out to fans! He offered me one and signed it too. He continued to stand and sign photos for other fans/extras/bar patrons until the were gone. He really is a down-to-earth person and extremely easy to chat with when he isn’t busy. I was very impressed with him as a regular person! What a sweetheart!
And Colton is Colton…I have known him since he was born. He is a regular kid with a Hollywood ambition! In my opinion he will be a big hit in Hollywood, watch for him and say “you knew him when”.
Thanks for posting…
Terrie
rach, i had a great time at the bar. this was actually my first time to watch filming a movie. i had fun taking pictures here and there. nope, i have no intention to be in the limelight….am happy being who i am.
elyani, thanks for the compliments. that is the only movie i know too out of the movies i mentioned and i so enjoyed watching the movie.
K, really? you got to watch his movie that far back? how old were you then? 11 years old?
auee, i didn’t actually get to hobnob with the stars as i was a little shy. i kept my distance..hehehe except with cute Colton, of course.
Tammy, i am glad you found my blog. i wanted to take pictures of your whole family that afternoon but didn’t have the courage to ask. you have a budding star in the making. hope to see him in hollywood someday.
Terrie, you were there too last Friday, when i visited the set? i should have stayed longer to hopefully get a picture taken with the main guy. i know he is a down-to-earth person and a very good actor, too. can’t wait to see the movie. Go, Colton Go!
Hey I am glad you had a chance to visit the set. I worked on the set as an extra and a total blast with the cast and crew. You can see more pictures on myspace page.
myspace.com/freakparademom
I hope thats ok to leave here. Anyway thanks for writing about “Jake’s Corner”
Hi Belle: You should have asked to get a pic with Colton’s family. I have know them for almost 20 years and they too are the most down-to-earth family you’ll ever meet! Oh well…next time you see them don’t be shy!
Colton is also on the IMDb now (international movie database) and you can keep track of him there as well!
Not alot yet on there, but check in now and again to see what he’s doing! http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2648800/
Thanks
Terrie
Well if you go onto the imdb now and type in Jakes Corner or Colton Rodgers there is much more info. Colton is doing well is getting ready to film a Honda commmercial here is AZ and has been auditioning for other films. Keep him in your prayers because his life seems to be moving fast now. http://www.imdb.com search jaes corner or colton rodgers
Tammy aka( mom)
Jake’s Corner had a wonderful cast and crew! Colton is the greatest
Glad I got the chance to work with him, and everyone else, too.
Helen (Location Casting)
We love Colton Too! I am his Rodgers Grandma
and I must say He gets his good Looks and charm from Me,;0 just kidding. Glad so see so much infor on him. He is and always will be a Star to us. P.S. and his big Sis too
i am brad brown;the son of cedric smyers;son of dan smyers (a previouse owner of jakes corner bar.Allthough i have never been to jakes corner i have seen video and many pictures i hope to someday visit. very glad you enjoyed it there and think it,s realy cool that there is gonna be a movie i hope to get a copy or atleast see the movie
Hi,
i saw this picture and i wish i could go out with this guy hes to die for.
so bring on the boy and call me sexy
Thanks!,
I’m the Grabdson of Dan Smyers(previous owner) and the brother of Brad Brown. I have been to Jakes Corner and it has been updated but its not far from the original look it had when my grandpa owned it. I also hope to see the movie when it gets released. Any word on a release date?
Hi Robert,
Thanks for leaving me comments.
The movie had been released for quite a while. You may want to check it out on CD or disc.