L.A. Story (1991) User Reviews

Still Delightful and Witty after so Many Years

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 5 May 2013]

In Los Angeles, the meteorologist Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin) is the wacky weatherman of television news. He has a wasted relationship with his obnoxious girlfriend Trudi (Marilu Henner) and he feel that he lives a boring life.

When Harris meets the Londoner journalist Sara McDowell (Victoria Tennant), who has come to LA to write en article for the London Times, in a brunch party with her ex-husband Roland Mackey (Richard E. Grant) and other friends, he believes that she is the woman of his life. Harris does not know how to seduce her and he discovers that Trudi has been cheating him with his agent for three years. Then Harry dates the younger aspirant spokesmodel SanDeE* (Sarah Jessica Parker) because he believes that Sara is interested in her ex-husband. However a freeway signpost helps Harry to woo Sara.

"L.A. Story" is a romantic comedy that is still delightful and witty after so many years from the release. The chemistry between Steve Martin and his wife is perfect and there are hilarious dialogs and situations, like for example, when Harris tells Sara that he would like to take her on a cultural tour of L.A., and Sara replies that this would be the first fifteen minutes. Or when he tells to SanDeE* that her breasts are weird and she answers that it is because they are real. Or when SanDeE* and Roland fantasize with Mel Gibson. In addition, there are cameos of many actors and famous people. The music score by Enya is awesome and fits perfectly to the conclusion. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "L.A. Story"

L.A. gets a salty tribute

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 22 August 2015]

Several years back, when I first sat down to watch "L.A. Story", my in-laws remarked that I was fortunate to be seeing this while living in that particular region (the jokes would make more sense). And they were spot-on. All of the movie's funniest gags are L.A. in-jokes (they're just surreal to outsiders): the angst-ridden 4-way stop, the smog, shrugging off earthquakes, the vapid lifestyles - these help the otherwise absurd freeway shootout and socially acceptable muggings work as comedy.

The movie functions pretty well as a romantic comedy/fantasy between Steve Martin and Vitoria Tennant, but it works a lot better when Martin see free-spirited (and charming as all get out) Sarah Jessica Parker).

But it works best as Martin's snide valentine to the culture.

7/10

Great

[Daniel Karlsson · 8/10 · 28 May 2002]

Quite similar to Woody Allen's Manhattan, and not quite as good, but pretty close to it. Steve Martin stands for comedy, and this movie is filled with jokes; some very funny others pretty stupid. What I like the most with this film is the acting of Sarah Jessica Parker; she is SO great. Overall, highly watchable.

7 or 8 out of 10.

Fascinatingly weird, but ultimately enjoyable

[King_Opossum · 22 July 2000]

LA STORY is one of those films that leaves you feeling like maybe you shouldn't have enjoyed the movie as much as you did. Looking back on the film, the plot is absolutely preposterous, the characters are entirely one-dimensional and the acting questionable. Yet I don't think there is anyone out there that wouldn't ultimately enjoy this fantasy.

Steve Martin is in top form (maybe the last decent film he did before BOWFINGER), and the wacky charm throughout makes the comedy fresh and exciting. Tremendous cameo support from the likes of Chevy Chase, Rick Moranis and Woody Harrellson add to make LA STORY a fresh comedy with lots of appeal.

Jon Monsarrat review: classic romantic comedy

[johnnymonsarrat · 7/10 · 30 November 2002]

L.A. Story is a tremendous romantic comedy just a notch below Moulon Rouge or High Fidelity, and similar to Roxanne. There are a lot of in-jokes for Californians, but I found the comedy accessible. The film is really stronger on the romance side, and has something to say about people who are somewhat phony and put up barriers to the world. As with Roxanne there is a little classic literature dropped in. There are quite a few cheesy moments where the lack of sophistication in the characters and plot does show. But there are also powerful, moving scenes, such as linking falling in love to the awe and wonder of childhood, and the airplane scene which brought tears to my eyes. And that's quite something; I almost never cry at the movies!

And of course, I loved the music by Enya! Check it out.

Who should see this film:

-- romantic comedy goers, a must see

-- action film guys like me, it's OK to see it with your SO (but see if you can get her to see Enemy at the Gate, too)

I'll give L.A. Story a surpassed-its-original-expectations 9 out of 10.

Steve Martin's love letter to his home town...

[oneguyrambling · 7/10 · 8 June 2011]

Steve Martin's paean to his home city is complicated, bizarre, earnest and ridiculous. It is really a series of skits surrounding a few scenes from a romantic movie. Some of the skits are amusing, some dated and some fall flat, but at all times it is clear that while LA is far from perfect Steve Martin has embraced everything about it.

Martin is Harris K Telemacher, a "wacky TV weatherman" who pre-tapes his segments days in advance as "it's always sunny in LA".

Harris hangs out with a similarly fake crowd of so-called friends and acquaintances, going to fake places where your income and status are badges of honour – and in the case of one restaurant determine whether you are even able to get a reservation.

Over a busy couple of days Harris meets two women, a British journalist named Sarah who is honest, charming and genuine, and SanDeE (her spelling not mine) who is fake, superficial… and willing to bonk him.

When Harris finds out that his current bitch of a girlfriend is cheating on him he must make a choice – did I mention one of the women is willing to bonk him??? Guess who he ends up with.

A young Sarah Jessica Parker plays SanDeE is ditzy, vibrant and energetic, it might… no "IS" the only role I have ever seen her in where she was even vaguely likable, and thanks to some bike pants momentarily hot… That might be L.A. Story's main achievement right there, they should market it: "Sarah Jessica Parker as you've never seen her – sort of hot".

Anyway Harris and Sarah keep bumping into each other and their mutual attraction grows, Harris is told by an automated freeway sign that his life will be changed soon (you heard me) and from there the film almost follows a more standard rom-com formula to the conclusion.

Richard E. Grant plays Sarah's ex-husband in a far more low key manner than his scenery chewing turn in Hudson Hawk, in between the skits and sightgags Martin proves once again that he can act, I've already mentioned SJP's moment in the sun and there are too many minor cameos and bit parts played by famous people to count.

L.A. Story is part love letter, part hate mail to Los Angeles, it covers fashionable lateness, casual crime and shows just how uncaring and unthinking the average citizen of the city can be, but to contrast it seems to suggest that LA has an element of mystery and magic, and that anything can happen there.

Like most of Steve Martin's movies I want to like this film more than I actually do, ultimately though this proves an unfocused vanity project, an at times hilarious but mostly just amusing jab at Steve's adopted hometown.

Final Rating – 7.5 / 10. The few inspired moments more than cover up for the flat spots and missed jokes, and of course Steve Martin makes anything slightly better just because of his presence.

Still a Classic Gem Twelve Years Later

[volpone13 · 10/10 · 24 November 2003]

Okay, I was raised in the LA area, so I appreciate "LA Story" more than many might, but it's still just an incredibly wonderful romantic comedy regardless of where you grew up. The script is fabulous, and the soundtrack featuring the music of Enya is the perfect counterpoint to this wonderfully wicked lampoon of Southern California culture.

The humor is much more intelligent than early Steve Martin features such as "The Jerk", but it isn't snobbish. It has wit, charm, and pure satirical funniness. Whether it's watching Martin roller-skate through a museum of Old Masters, seeing a restaurant full of jaded Californians casually ride out a minor earthquake as their tables gracefully vibrate across the room, or the absurdity of a freeway sign giving out cryptic personal messages that change the course of the principal character's lives, the movie simply works.

Steve Martin is at his best here, equal to his wonderful performance in "Roxanne". Victoria Tennant is the perfect choice as the off-beat, tuba-playing British journalist Martin's character falls for. Sarah Jessica Parker is absolutely priceless as SanDeE* (that's her spelling, not a typo), the young would-be spokesmodel/bimbette who "likes to point". Even Rick Moranis as the comedic Cockney grave digger is wonderful, despite his having one of the least believable accents since Dick van Dyck as the chimneysweep Bert in "Mary Poppins". Forget the comment about Moranis' accent... you'll enjoy him anyway.

Overall, this is one of my two favorite movies of all time, and considering how many I've enjoyed, that's saying volumes.

A Rare Find.

[General_G · 7/10 · 8 November 2005]

Steve Martin, could be one of the greatest comedians out there, and don't get me wrong, he is, but he has had his share of bad movies such as Cheaper by the Dozen and ¡Three Amigos! and a few others. L.A. Story on the other hand is where he shows his best. This goes on Steve Martin's A list. The main thing I liked about this movie was the "talking" highway billboard. I think that was very creative and very cool. It was funny when it made the car move on its own. Romance movies are usually to sappy, but this one was much didn't have any of that and it had good actors and actresses. If you want a good romance see L.A. Story.

Nostalgic and very witty tale. A bit uneven but will serve well in the memory.

[Silverzero · 10/10 · 14 February 2003]

LA Story is a funny and very inventive comedy drama, even though the real love affair is with LA itself. When looking at the storyline, it does look a bit odd, (man receiving love advice from a freeway sign?) but this helps give it a more surreal and somewhat magical edge.

The acting is very good all across the board, even from a non-man-eating Sarah Jessica Parker. It has a lot of quotable dialogue, (she's not young she'll be 27 in 4 years) and some passable cameos from Rick Moranis, Patrick Stewart and Chevy Chase.

Perhaps some scenes get a bit too sentimental and make the film seem a bit uneven. But I think this helps improve the shape of its overall atmosphere, and make it heart-warming and not just a bit of gas.

LA Story is an underrated classic. It's consistently enjoyable, nicely acted and highly memorable. 7.5 out of 10.

Truly Bizarre Film. If You Only See One Steve Martin Film, Make It 'L.A. Story' (1991).

[Real_Review · 6/10 · 8 June 2019]

Honest critics understand that Steve Martin's preferred style of acting and comedy is now considered a little dated. This movie is no different - it feels like every bit of 1991, and a 'Steve Martin' film. However, this script is so bizarre and the execution of the script (with the available technology and effects at the time) is so ridiculous, that this might actually be a 'must-see' film. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a more interesting Steve Martin film. If you can set the premise (well, all of the premises) aside, the cinematography is mostly interesting to watch, and there are some very quotable lines and laugh-out-loud moments. If you have lived in Los Angeles, there is local culture in the film that you will appreciate (even in it's cynicism). And then there is Sarah Jessica Parker in a standout performance - sexy, fun, youthful, and she stole every scene.

So, if you like Steve Martin, or you've lived in L.A., or you loved 'Sex and The City', then give 'L.A. Story' (1991) a chance - you won't be bored.

RealReview Posting Scoring Criteria: Acting - 1/1; Casting - 1/1; Directing - 1/1; Story - 0.5/1; Writing/Screenplay - 0.5/1;

Total Base Score = 4

Modifiers (+ or -): Originality: +1;

Cinematography: +0.5;

Authentic Location Shooting: +1;

Standout Performances: +1 ( Sarah Jessica Parker );

Technical Effects/Make Up: -0.5;

Believability/Consistency: -1;

Quotability: 0.5;

Editing-Too Long: -0.5 (scene where they turn into children in the park and art museum scenes should have been removed completely);

Total RealReview Rating: 6

Great for Los Angelinos and those who like this style of humor--otherwise, beware

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 10 June 2007]

My wife and I have some friends who raved about this movie again and again until we were compelled to see it just to shut them up and leave us alone! And while we sat there with them, listening to them laugh, my wife and I just looked at each other and we knew exactly what the other was thinking--"this just isn't funny and these two have suckered us into seeing a dull film AGAIN". In fact, while they laughed and laughed, I only remember laughing one time during the film and that was during the wonderful highway scene. Sure, there were a few other cute moments here and there that were nice commentaries on life in L.A., but the rest of the film just put me to sleep. In particular, the relationship between Martin and bubble-headed Sarah Jessica Parker just killed the movie, as did the romance between Martin and his then wife, Victoria Tennant. Had the film just stuck to social commentary, then it might have scored a 6 or 7, but with being bogged down by meaningless and dull romances, the whole thing just seemed like a chore to finish. Sorry. Maybe this is your "cup of tea", but for this pretty average Joe, it wasn't.

One of the best ever in its own way

[DavidInAustin · 10/10 · 24 June 2006]

When I first saw this film in the theater, I remember the complete emotional reaction I had to it. I had to watch it several more times to really grasp all of the many complicated levels it contains. This film has more layers than a Vadallia Onion, and each one is as sweet and intricate as the next. This film is in many ways the best work Steve Martin has ever done. It reflects the best of his intellectually complicated and sophisticated silliness while also delivering a deeply emotional and spiritual message of self discovery and the eternal hope of love and life. At times poignant and funny concurrently, at other times silly and spiritual together, this film is an entrancing journey into a vision of a better, more hopeful, world. The music used in the film, particularly Enya's contributions, add an profound element of power and beauty to the overall effort. Indeed, the music, and the way it is employed throughout, is a complex layer of the film in and of itself. This film covers the gamut of humanity without being arrogant, and mixes Shakespeare, Saturday Night Live and Existential Philosophy in a VERY entertaining and at the same time inspiring journey. This was one of the few films I have ever seen that made me laugh, cry, smile knowingly and get chills all across my spine virtually at the same time. You will need to watch this remarkable effort more than once to appreciate all of its levels and beauty, its message and musings, its hope and glory while you are laughing and being inspired beyond what seems reasonable for a film all at the same time. This film was never appreciated as it should have been, and it is a rare gem. You will never forget this sweet journey into what could be, and maybe what should be, the real world.

42 is no longer the answer to life, according to adorable highway billboard

[ASuiGeneris · 7/10 · 16 December 2017]

L.A. Story (1991)

A love letter to Los Angeles. A satire on the city the great Steve Martin has taken to calling his home. A surreal, whimsical romance. More like a series of comedic sketches. Like in stand up comedy, there are some sketches that make you laugh out loud, but others that unfortunately fall flat. Though the ones that stand out are so memorable that the slow moments seem negligible.

The Good. The Cameos (Paula Abdul, Chevy Chase, Iman, Woody Harrelson, Terry Jones, Martin Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Rick Moranis, and more; The DVD has a cute little separate menu providing details on them). The opening traffic avoidance scene, where everyone waves to him, as if he navigates sidewalks like this all the time (a tribute to Fellini's La dolce vita). Sara's subsequent senseless driving. The coffee and lemon ordering. The roller skating through fine art galleries. Commentaries on the ridiculousness in Hollywood. How SanDeE* must be spelled like that and all material, official or not, writes it out like that (her endless prancing and twirling is ever so annoying but young Parker still manages to be adorable). The Hard Rock Cafe scene where her boyfriend happens to be sitting at the bar, eerily watching them. L'Idiot, the pretentious dining establishment (where Patrick Stewart is Maitre D') that barters reservations and menu allowances (You think with a financial statement like this you can have the duck?"). The hotel in Santa Barbara is called "El Pollo del Mar" ("Chicken of the Sea"). Filmed in California. I am a California girl, so this was (mostly) positively regarded. Shakespeare references and quotes. (some misquoted or paraphrased, of course). Priceless one-liners. I will refrain from listing more than a few: "Hello, this is Harris. I'm in right now, so you can talk to me personally. Please start talking at the sound of the beep."; "Rather than doing an interview with me, which would be fascinating by the way, because of the interesting word usements I structure."; Why is it that you don't always recognize the moment when love begins but you always know when it ends?"; "Let your mind go and your body will follow."; "All I know is, on the day your plane was to leave, if I had the power, I would turn the winds around, I would roll in the fog, I would bring in storms, I would change the polarity of the earth so compasses couldn't work, so your plane couldn't leave." (The billboard does this for him later!); "There are only two things in my life I will never forget. One is that there is someone for everyone. Even if you need a pickax, a compass, and night goggles to find them. And the other is tonight. When I learned that romance does exist deep in the heart of Los Angeles." Alright, several.

The Bad. There were some moments where I was a little bored, probably because I was not understanding the humor. I had to look into some of it in order to understand them. You would need to have lived in California- and preferably in the nineties- to truly appreciate many of the references. Somewhat dated. The Enya songs honestly did not seem to match the scenes. I loved Enya as much as anyone, but she did not seem to fit here. I did feel like there was a little much going on. Steve Martin apparently worked on the script for seven years. A lot of material squeezed into the two hours made for some characters I did not care for or wanted to know better, a few random vignettes that did not seem to go anywhere, sometimes what seemed like a lack of focus.

The Amazing.

And I saved the best for last, my favorite character, the adorably communicative electronic highway billboard sign. That gives love advice. And wants to be hugges. Insists on it. I might want billboards for my friends after this.

Overall, though? Characters I cared for, witty writing, heartfelt romance, and good laughs. Plus, I have to be honest. I am biased in favor of anything from this man I have long deemed a genius.

News flash. 42 is no longer the answer to life. "How Daddy is Doing" = "Sing Doo Wah Diddy". Enough said. End credits.

A good very bad movie

[duane-21 · 5/10 · 17 April 2001]

One of my favorite movies, but I can't deny that it is a very bad one. The more I watch it the more I recognize how flat the characters are, how unmotivated the dialogue is, and how contrived the story is. Yet, I still watch it because of it's good intentions - and for Patrick Stewart.

an oddly charming story

[nwilczyn · 17 May 2004]

Outwardly, it's a ridiculous plot line. Steve Martin as the sensitive, wacky weatherman... falling in love with a British woman and somehow accidentally getting involved with the Sex in the City girl along the way. The reality of it is, though, there are so many charming details in the movie... vivid images and pictures painted in various scenes alluding to the childlike innocence of falling in love, the magic of letting yourself go and following the advice of an electric traffic sign... this movie become more enjoyable as you watch it more and shouldn't that be how a movie should be? Shouldn't it get more enjoyable instead of LESS enjoyable like most movies made today, that start with a shock and go downhill? Steve Martin shines throughout this movie and you share his gleeful moments... for example after he's tickled to find that his wife is having an affair with his agent and he converts his make-believe-shock into a dance as he approaches his then-a-symbol-of-affluence LeBaron in the street... when he tosses his hat to himself after he sets up another way to see the woman he is falling for... Simultaneously, though, you share his confusion as to how to handle the relationship with the over-energetic, giddy 23 year old he's accidentally fallen into bed with along the way. This is a complex movie that presents itself so innocently, you can't help but enjoy it. And, as a tribute to the brilliance of "The Man With Two Brains," he even manages to insert a portion of the (now legendary) "Pointy Birds" poem. In all, this is a worthwhile experience if you're willing to watch it all the way through. This is a movie for Steve Martin fans, because his unique, sensitive, accessible brand of humor and (more importantly) of life is apparent throughout.

Fable about love and L.A.

[policy134 · 7/10 · 7 October 2005]

Steve Martin as an actor is for the most part the rather ordinary looking man who behaves like a raving lunatic. This movie has him do some rather eccentric things, like driving his car two houses down the road to see his friend and rollerskating in an art museum but this time it is played more for philosophical reasons.

The movie L.A. Story was written by Martin and besides Martin there is also a good performance by his then wife Victoria Tennant. The rather surreal way they meet and fall for each other is truly unique to see in a film that is supposed to be a comedy. Other than the love story the movie looks at life in L.A. in a most satirical way and the best scenes are the ones that show the L.A.'rs doing what others might think is a bit shallow like ordering expensive decaf coffee or shopping in hip department stores.

Richard E. Grant gives what I would consider to be his most mannered performance, just watch him in Hudson Hawk to compare, as Tennant's ex who thinks that L.A. is a place for the idiots and Sarah Jessica Parker plays a valley girl who is always spinning and bouncing. The two of them don't have a lot of screen time because there is an enormous amount of material that is shot at the screen in an hour and a half. The film is therefore never boring but you kind of get the idea of: "Yeah, Martin may poke fun at the L.A. but deep down it's all show and very little substance since he is part of it".

Other than that this is a better than average comedy and to say that Martin has had many great roles since then would be a lie.

Go watch it to remember an early 90s Los Angeles, which isn't much different now

[meganweaver-72582 · 7/10 · 30 June 2018]

LA Story is a great comedy film. Its comedy is of a serious nature and many may not find it enjoyable. Shot in the early 90s the film has a sort of sunny glow that paints the entire Los Angeles city scape. This is a love letter to the city of Los Angeles and there are some very gooey scenes which will make you want to visit the city of angels. Steve Martin during this time was at the top of his game and he is in sublime form here. His real life partner at the time Victoria Tennant is equally good as a new arrival to the city. Sarah Jessica Parker long before her famed stint in NYC is refreshing as the young, perky woman. L.A story is a very good comedy and an ode to Los Angeles.

Exceptional

[mylovelyhorsie · 10/10 · 24 October 2003]

I've read that this movie was Steve Martin's homage to a city he loves. Certainly, it feels like that. The whole movie has been crafted with the utmost care and delight - a feeling that is conveyed so well to the viewer.

I've watched this film many many times and as yet have been utterly unable to find a single mistake, wrongly placed moment, person or prop anywhere. What I have found is a sense of deeply placed pleasure at watching the unfolding of an old story told beautifully and never strained by being told in the 20th Century.

A weatherman in LA. Fun? Actually... yes

[Sirjump · 7/10 · 8 September 1998]

Steve Martin as a wacky weatherman in LA that falls in love with a British reporter.

Driving one evening on the freeway, Harry Telemacher gets a flat tyre and pulls over by a signpost. The signpost communicates with him (!) and gives him a riddle to solve.

Plenty of amusing situations and interesting places. Music by Enya lifts the movie a few steps.

An overall watchable comedy if you don't expect too much.

An amazing satirical snapshot!

[farflungfloyd · 10/10 · 13 November 2003]

LA Story is arguably one of the smartest comedies of the early nineties. It never once stops to fall into the sacharine depths that romantic comedies are plagued with, nimbly skipping over them by never leaving the skewed world that it has created. Apart from being a sharp jab at life in LA, it still has a story with heart, and manages to get you interested and involved in all the important characters. And really, nothing tops a talking electronic road sign.

If you want to break away from the daily grind

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 10 September 2019]

Parts of L.A. Story are really hilarious as they try to make fun of the superficial lifestyle of wealthy white people in Los Angeles because it's clear that the scenes are supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, but it practically feels like a documentary filmed with a hidden camera. Not much has changed since 1991 besides the fashion and hairstyles; if you go to an expensive restaurant in Beverly Hills for brunch and listen to a nearby table's conversation, it'll sound exactly like the brunch scene in this movie.

Steve Martin and his buddies are privileged and removed from the real world, and when he meets Victoria Tennant, he's drawn to her because she's different from the rest of his friends. She tells a crass joke that shocks everyone, but Steve takes it to mean she's real and down to Earth. While Victoria has an ambiguous friendship-relationship with her ex-husband Richard E. Grant, Steve pursues a shallow fling with a typical L.A. bimbo, Sarah Jessica Parker. My main complaint was that I wasn't rooting for Steve and Victoria to get together-and that's the entire point of the movie! Victoria and Richard get along very well, and he's a total doll. Steve and Sarah get along, and she's a total doll. Yes, she's silly and surface, but that's the lifestyle he's become accustomed to. It might be refreshing for six months or a year to break away from the norm and get involved with someone completely different, but after a while, most people will drift back to the people and style they feel comfortable with.

However, this movie isn't about or for the average person. Steve Martin wrote the screenplay, and it's easy to the see the parallels of his real life present in the screenplay. His character is the "wacky weatherman" on television, and Victoria, a tourist in town, sees him instead of his outside persona. Sound a little like what happened in real life? In the film, Steve undergoes some spiritual coincidences that help set him down a different path, so be prepared that there's a fair amount of weirdness in the movie. If you're feeling burnt out by the daily grind and are looking for a love story that transcends, you'll probably like this one. You'll also get to see some cute cameos by Rick Moranis, Woody Harrelson, Patrick Stewart, Chevy Chase, Larry Miller, and Iman. Just don't root for the "others" or you'll be disappointed.

Not my favorite Steve Martin flick

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 5/10 · 26 October 2006]

Like I said, I'm getting into the Steve Martin flicks, and since my mom has all of his films, I decided my next film journey to be for comedy and see what the hype is that is Steve Martin. I loved his films like: Bringing Down the House, Bowfinger, and Roxanne. They had great humor and a touching story that anyone could fall in love with. L.A. Story was next on my list, and while it is a cute movie, I felt that it was a little too cheesy and not up to par with Steve Martin's humor, or at least not the kind of humor that I know he can perform.

Harris, played by Martin, is a weatherman in L.A., he's in a pretty dysfunctional relationship with a very fake and shallow woman. But when he pulls over to fix his car on the road, an electronic road sign tells him the way to find his true love leading him to Sarah Jessica Parker, but she's a bit of a ditz. But the sign eventually points him to the lovely Sara, a British and intelligent woman, but she is taken. It's a matter of seeing if the sign is right and is this the woman of his dreams?

L.A. Story is a cute little romantic story that deserves a look, but like I said, I just didn't get into it. I guess I was just expecting something more since it's a Steve Martin flick, but it's all good. I wouldn't say no to recommending this, because you might enjoy it. But just don't expect the humor from Bowfinger or Bringing Down the House or The Jerk or... well, you get the idea.

5/10

Underrated Classic

[jellopuke · 10/10 · 22 January 2019]

This is one of my favourite movies of all time. It's funny, intelligent, silly, romantic, quirky, magical, and melancholic. It's such a great rom-com with a dash of magical realism, mixed in with some great lines, and Steve Martin humour. I put this up there with the all time great romantic movies and watch it every time I need a little boost. LOVE IT!

Steve Martin Magic!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 8 January 2015]

'L.A. Story' is a yet another film, that showcases the astounding talent of Steve Martin. The Honorary Oscar-Winner is a delight to watch here & he, singe handedly, leads the film with a performance that's purely enjoyable.

'L.A. Story' Synopsis: With the help of a talking freeway billboard, a "wacky weatherman" tries to win the heart of an English newspaper reporter, who is struggling to make sense of the strange world of early-90s Los Angeles.

'L.A. Story' is an entertaining fantasy romantic-comedy, that narrates a story informatively. The Screenplay, which is Written by Martin himself, is a lovely mix of romance & situational humor, as well as capturing the true essence of Los Angeles in the early 1990's. A Special Mention for the delightfully real dialogue. Mick Jackson's Direction is appropriate. Cinematography & Editing are excellent.

Performance-Wise: Its Martin all the way. He doesn't miss one single beat. An Impeccable Performance! Victoria Tennant is cute. Sarah Jessica Parker is fantastic. Her scenes are full of energy, thanks to her superior act. Richard E. Grant is first-rate. Marilu Henner is equally competent. Among Cameos, Patrick Stewart stands out.

On the whole, Watch 'L.A. Story' for its innovative story & Martin's performance.

Dud Steve Martin film

[studioAT · 2/10 · 23 August 2016]

Steve Martin can be very funny. Sometimes. Here I did not find him funny. In fact I found this film to be a bit of a waste of a supreme cast lists talents.

I can see why people like it though. it's easy enough viewing, it's funny in places, but it's not that great a comedy and in some parts is slow.

I can only compare it to another Martin film 'A simple twist of fate' which again had a decent enough premise and cast, yet failed to deliver.

I was disappointed with this film, and cannot recommended it.