Five New Films to Inspire Your American Adventure

Movie Magic in the States

By Richard Jones

Hundreds of millions of movie lovers around the world will be tuning in this weekend as the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, takes place.

Following its success at the Baftas, critics are predicting that The Power Of The Dog will steal the show at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

The Netflix Western stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Jesse Plemons as the Burbank brothers who run a successful ranch in 1920s Montana, and find their lives changed by Kirsten Dunst’s widow and her impressionable son (Kodi Smit-McPhee).

While it has a brilliant script and a stellar acting line up, the film also owes much of its success to the mesmerising Montana outback depicted on screen.

Of course, the USA has long been a paradise when it comes to inspiring moviemaking, so here we round up five new films set in the States that could lead the way to your next adventure.

Montana

The Power of the Dog (out now) Montana

Director Jane Campion’s drama has accumulated a dozen nominations for this year’s Oscars including Best Picture. Viewers will find themselves instantly drawn into the serene open plains and exhilarating horse riding sequences. Although many of the mountain scenes were actually shot in rural Otago in Campion’s native New Zealand, there are a number of dude and working ranches in the US state of Montana which will remind moviegoers of the acclaimed film and encourage visitors to get into the cowboy or cowgirl spirit.

Make it happen: Inspiring Travel Company offers a working ranch holiday to Montana from £2,839 per person. Price includes flights to Helena, one night at DoubleTree by Hilton Helena Downtown, transfers, and six nights at Rocking Z Ranch on a full-board basis including activities. To book visit: www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

Top Gun: Maverick (Released May 27) California

After more than 30 years of service as one of the US Navy’s top aviators, Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is returning to the big screen. Filming took place at the military base Naval Air Station in Lemoore and San Diego, while flight-deck operations scenes were shot aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. From sweeping shots of California’s desertscape to intense air battles from above, viewers can head out to the Golden State for a flight lesson, hot air balloon ride or helicopter experience.

Make it happen: Trailfinders offers an ‘Undiscovered Northern California’ tour for £2,569 per person. Price includes direct flights from London to San Francisco, 13 days Alamo car hire, 14 nights three-four star hotel accommodation and four breakfasts. To book visit: www.trailfinders.com

Franklin, Tennessee

Elvis (Released June 24) Tennessee

Fans of The King will be ‘All Shook Up’ as acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann tells the legendary entertainer’s story from the 1950s and 1970s. Elvis spent much of those two decades living at his Memphis mansion Graceland, as well as what was the largest hotel in the world at the time – the International Hotel in Las Vegas – in his penthouse suite on the 30th floor. Travellers can follow in Elvis’s footsteps and visit Graceland, exploring the iconic gold records, the distinctive jewelled jumpsuits, the classic cars and interactive exhibits that are housed within it, or record the next hit at the iconic RCA Studio B in Nashville.

Make it happen: North America Travel Service offers an ‘Explore Memphis & The Mississippi Delta tour’ from £1,198 per person. Price includes flights with American Airlines from Heathrow, four nights at Sheraton Memphis, three nights at Cotton House, Cleveland, and one week car hire with Hertz. To book call: 0333 323 909 or email: sales.enquiries@nats-uk.com

Where The Crawdads Sing (Released July 22) North Carolina

Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and directed by Hollywood icon Reece Witherspoon, the adaptation of Delia Owens’ debut novel Where The Crawdads Sing is hitting the big screens this summer. The coming-of-age thriller may tempt those in need of an escape to follow in Kya’s footsteps and find solitude in the enchanting marshlands of North Carolina. Those inspired will witness sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and discover the four impressive lighthouses on the Outer Banks islands.

Make it happen: America As You Like It offers a ‘North Carolina Discovery’ tour from £1,285. Price includes return flights from the UK to Charlotte, North Carolina, accommodation and car hire. To book visit: www.americaasyoulikeit.com

Boston

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Released December 23) Boston, Massachusetts

A biopic about the one-and-only Whitney Houston hits cinemas just before Christmas and will chart her journey to musical superstardom. Scenes are being filmed in Newark and Boston and producers are reportedly on the hunt for Boston locals to feature. After seeing the hustle and bustle of city life, many moviegoers will be swiftly planning their next city break to Boston to enjoy the music and dancing, as well as embarking on a city harbour cruise and tucking into a famous lobster roll.

Make it happen: American Holidays offers a nine-night getaway to New York City and Boston from £1,109 per person. Price includes return American Airlines or BA flights from London, four nights at Hyatt Place NYC Time Square and three nights in Boston. To book, visit: www.americanholidays.com

Murder Mystery 2 (Released 2022/23) Hawaii

Popular duo Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler have been spotted in Hawaii shooting the sequel to silly 2019 crime comedy Murder Mystery. Despite filming being in the early stages, there will no doubt be shots of crashing waves, spectacular Hawaiian sunsets and dreamy accommodation, leaving viewers desperate for an island escape. The film will tap into the not-so-relaxing vacation experience that every family knows and loves – getting mum, dad and kids in the mood for a holiday, as well as snorkelling with turtles and surfing the famous waves.

Make it happen: TravelBag offers a 19-night getaway across California and Hawaii from £2,899pp based on two adults and two children sharing. Price includes room-only accommodation, British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Los Angeles and onward flight to Honolulu, escorted-tour coach, driver and tour manager and sightseeing. To book, visit: www.travelbag.co.uk

For more information on these and other US breaks, please go to visittheusa.co.uk