To me, movies are magical. They're an escape from reality.

I can't tell you how often I use film as a way to "escape."

Classic Movie You've Never Seen In Theaters Coming To Rockford For Three Days Only
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That trip is made even better when I watch a movie that uses the state I grew up in, Illinois, as the backdrop.

I don't know if it's me as the Leo from Once Upon A Time in a Hollywood meme, pointing at different landmarks whether it be in Chicago or somewhere else in the state but it's just so satisfying to see places I remember immortalized on the big screen.

Rockford Movie Theaters Looking To Add Booze, Beer & Wine
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Maybe it's just a sense of pride knowing some of the same places that I have loved for so long just look so big, bold, and beautiful in a movie.

The Chicago in the first two Christopher Nolan Batman movies (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) is undeniable. The Windy City is and will always be the best Gotham City. Harrison Ford running for his life in The Fugitive has never made the city look better.

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Leaving Chicago, some of the most memorable scenes in classics like Groundhog Day and A League of Their Own are just that much better because of the Illinois backdrop.

Illinois is such a great spot for movies, some award-winning flicks that didn't even film a scene in the state (looking at you 2002 film, Chicago) still come to town just to get some of the scenery on tape.

It worked, Chicago did win the Oscar for Best Picture at the 2003 Academy Awards.

75th Annual Academy Awards
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If you've lived in the Land of Lincoln for a while there's a good chance you have a favorite Illinois movie. Check out the list below and tell us what's your fave of the bunch.

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