Movies-TV

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

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.

Best, Funniest movie ever made

This movie has no equals. From the beginning to the end, the farce on LA living is excellent. And Steve Martin being a simple weatherman going through his mid-life crises works so well. The soundtrack is superb; this was Enya's first major movie deal, and her music complements it amazingly. I have never laughed so much in my whole life as when I watch this movie. Steve Martin wrote this movie, and it shows. There are more memorable quotes in this movie than in a book about memorable quotes. His narrarating of the movie adds so much to the story and scenes. Many cameo appearances prove this movie is of the highest caliber. This movie pokes fun at every aspect of living in LA. From the health craze, to the shootouts on the freeway, to the snobby attitudes of some of the locals, this movie hazes them all. I will always view this movie as the funniest movie of all time, while at the same time delivering a message that we need to not take life so seriously, and that love rules over everything else. The supernatural aspect of this movie is not overplayed, once again in complements the rest of the plot, and who knows, maybe there are things out there that we'll never understand, and let's hope that they help us on our way when we run into them. This movie has affected me more than any other, and I just want to say, "Thanks Steve!" And of course to everyone else, "go see this movie, and then again, and again!"

??? Manhattan??

Has anyone else been reminded of Woody Allen's Manhattan?-- a homage to a city,framed in a very personal way,reflecting the main man's personality. Angst-ridden male lead with all-knowing female leads,reliance on music,male confusion--even art galleries!Comparing the 2,I found 'LA'a slow grower,whereas I was overwhelmed by 'Manhattan'immediately. If you can compare the 2,I think I prefer LA. I can imagine that Steve Martin fans maybe being disappointed by the lack of slapstick & Woody Allen fans being totally dismissive. The failure of 'LA' must have been a major body blow to Steve,as soon after,his marriage to Victoria Tennant failed.

This is LA!

This is a must see for anyone in LA or thinking about moving there. Steve Martin delivers a hilarious and fully enjoyable performance. It proves once again that he is the King of Comedy. This movie is the best depiction of LA living that has been put to screen. Whether you are ordering a coffee from the corner shop or diving down the 405 freeway, this movie tells you how us Southern Californians really live (with a little exaggeration and a lot of laughs)!

Delighted the 15th Anniversay Edition is coming!

This is one of the great romantic comedies since talking pictures came about (even if it didn't make a lot of money). The 15th anniversay edition contains some of the better "missing scenes" you'll ever see. "Showtime TV" used this film years back during a free-weekend and showed one of the deleted scenes with John Lithgow who was booted from the film, as it was running too long. If you are familiar with the movie, it is worth it to get the version with the deleted scenes, etc.

Wow...Steve Martin's brilliance shines through.

This Film is not simply about the great city, but about love on many different levels: art, L.A., sunshine, life, people, literature, philosophy, and of course, relationships (aka true love). Artfully depicted are passion, searching, and the play of serendipitous events coupled will sheer willpower, on our mortal existences. The direction of L.A. Story is incredible, but the real art of this film is in the writing. Steve Martin is a subtle genius whose profundity is such that only a few can see beyond his proverbial surface. For he who is larger than life, this film best captures at least some of his facets. I close my eyes and dream...

What a charm!

I really love this movie! The humor of Steve Martin is so loving, not trying to hurt. It's obvious how much he loves this city! In my opinion no other comedian has that kind of charm. I could watch Steve playing golf for two hours and just love it to see him, he is simply great! Thank you for that movie, Steve, I watched it many times and will continue doing so.

A good story dramedy

If it's Steve Martin's early attempt to star in a drama then you're going to get a bit of comedy mixed in for free. Which makes this mutated film a delightful and funny look at life in Los Angeles from the point of view of Martin's character, a wacky weatherman who is more concerned about his personal life then his celebrity status on TV (or anything else).Plenty of Shakespeare references, both dramatic and comedic, lots of great cameos as expected in this town, plus a few soundtrack songs by Enya sets the mood for the whole movie.Martin's character paraphrases "Life is a tale, told by an idiot. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" which excuses the film to do just that.If it wasn't for the fictional story, LA Story would be better classified as documentary, very educational about exotic life in a town of celebrity wannabes."Why don't we walk, it's only a few blocks from here?" "Walk? HA HA HA"Excellent film. One of Martin's best. A definite must if you enjoy intellectual comedies.

Steve and Sarah and the electronic freeway sign

Steve Martin shares the spotlight with show-stealers Sarah Jessica Parker and the most interactive electronic freeway sign I've ever seen in L.A. STORY. People who live in Los Angeles or at least know a lot about the city probably got more jokes than I did, but L.A. STORY was worth seeing.

I loved it!!!

How can anyone not like this movie? Perhaps if someone is reading into it too much, I can see it but for face value, its wonderful! The Enya score enhanced the film so much more. It really took it to a higher emotional level. Especially the scene when they walk through the garden. Its just a wacky movie, about wacky lives in a wacky city. But its not overkill. Just rent it and see for yourself

Frothy on top, tasty underneath

Saw Bowfinger, decided I had to see this after reading comparisons. Don't feel L.A. Story is as flat-out funny, but there's an excellent balance between humor and romance. (There are some can't-miss humor moments -- gridlock sequence, open season, weather reports, art museum, traffic sign.)

Martin is at his most sympathetic, makes a good romantic lead. Not a Sarah Jessica Parker fan, but she succeeds as an adorable spinning scene-grabber here. There are also some fun cameos, including pre-Star Trek Patrick Stewart.

Only gripe is that Victoria Tennant as female lead seems a bit inert and emotionless as a foil to Martin's character, and the British reserve/eccentric vs. L.A. extrovert/wacko angle is predictable and not very funny. I guess they were married when it was made, but the chemistry feels weak at times. It only shows because everything else is note-perfect.

Definitely worth seeing; a lighter-than-air romantic comedy that avoids the cynicism of some of Martin's other work. This L.A. doesn't exist, but it should.

The traffic sign deserves a screen credit!

Great movie, all around.

LA Story is an intellectual comedy. The satire of the So-Cal lifestyle, mixed with the subtle Shakepearean references makes for a very wonderful, magical movie. The Enya soundtrack gives this movie a very mystical feeling that will leave you feeling good about yourself.

A good very bad movie

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.

Get into the details

LA Story is one of my favorite films. You don't hear that about this film too often but the nods towards Shakespere, magical realism and a host of other very well woven into the story line. This movie should be viewed for fun. Steve Martin does a wonderful job at being a bit nuty and thoughtful at the same time. Enjoy this great film.

One of Steve Martin's best

This is one of Martin's best and one of the greatest comedies ever made. The writing and acting are perfect. Especially Sarah Jessica Parker as SanDeE, she is a classic character. Martin is very good too. The signboard is the best I think though. If you like steve martin or just comedies this movie is for you. I love this movie and always will.

Should have been better but still great

There is always something amusing to look at or listen to in this movie that ends up, unfortunately, being a little less than the sum of all its marvelous parts. That being said, however, I can watch any clip from this film and have fun. My 12-year old son has now discovered it and he is a huge fan.

I could just watch Sara Jessica Parket over and over -- she is such a whack-job free spirit and scene-stealer -- I get the feeling that she is playing herself.

I want to like Tennant and I guess I do, but I don't love her in this. Henner, on the other hand, could not be more perfect, and Steve Martin is so lovable in it.

I would tell anyone to watch this movie, manage their expectations, and have FUN!

Amazingly Funny romantic comedy

If you love Roxanne you will love L.A. Story also. Steve Martin uses all his intellect and humor in the wonderful love story, and also skewers L.A. and everything that is trendy along the way. Top notch acting and a great cast!

not a laughing matter

When I'm in the mood for a light, romantic comedy, "L.A. Story" isn't it! This movie starts out pretty funny, but once Steve Martin meets Victoria Tennant everything goes downhill. This is supposed to be a story about two people falling in love, but where's the chemistry between them? Their few funny moments are when they are apart. When they're together, what a downer! Sarah Jessica Parker is the best thing about this movie, and I'm not even a fan of hers. The talking freeway sign is just weird, like out-takes from another movie entirely. I give this movie 2 stars for trying, but it could have been so much better. What a disappointment!

A story well told

Steve Martin plays Harris K. Telemacher, a funny weatherman who's in a relationship with Trudi (Marilu Henner) but falls for a British journalist Sara McDowel (Victoria Tennant).He also meets an energetic young woman SanDeE (Sarah Jessica Parker) on the way.He gets some important messages from a freeway sign like that the weather will change his life in two ways.L.A. Story (1991) is a great romantic fantasy comedy from Mick Jackson.It's written by Steve Martin, who also gives an amazing performance in the lead.This 59 year old comedian has made us laughed in many hilarious movies in the past.Hopefully he still will do so in the future.Let's see how he can fill the shoes of Peter Sellers in the upcoming Pink Panther movie.Other actors do a great job as well.Sarah Jessica Parker can be seen there before she was a huge star.This year she stopped working in Sex and the City after six years.You can also see, more or less, people like Richard E. Grant, Iman, Rick Moranis, Chevy Chase, Kevin Pollak, Patrick Stewart and Woody Harrelson.L.A. Story is a declaration of love to Los Angeles like Woody Allen has made many to New York.This movie is full of extremely funny scenes.I found myself laughing many times watching this movie.Isn't that what makes a good comedy?

Martin at His Best

When Steve Martin is hot, he's really hot. L.A. Story, written by Steve Martin, is hot. The entire film keeps you in a state of constant chuckling.
And, the movie has more than a few moments of comedic genius. It's the cumulative effect of little jokes littered throughout the film, both verbal and visual, that keeps you in stitches. On top of that, it piques your interest. Here's what I mean: while Martin mercilessly it pokes fun of L.A. for it's flakiness, it's love and tolerance of idiosyncrasies, it's constant preoccupation with image, it's narcissism, the humor is never vulgar, crass, or shallow. For example, one scene takes place in the municipal art museum.
We see Harry Telemacher (Steve Martin), with his friends, rapt in admiration for a painting. The camera angle comes from the canvas itself, where we watch Harry, deep in thought, dissertate on the subjects in the portrait, their motives, actions, and hidden agendas. He moves forward, backward, forward again, as if in active dialogue with the lacquer. At last, moving backward, he concludes his remarks by wrinkling his nose in disgust and saying `Look at the way he's holding her: it's almost filthy!'
And then the camera moves around to Telemacher's perspective. The painting's a total abstraction. There isn't a distinct line in the entire rectangular frame. In the argot of Postmodernism, one might call it a `readerly' work of art. It's the perfect metaphor for L.A., where you may interpret anything, any way you like. There's no standard, except one's own `personal reality.' No one can use social norms as a personal club to tell someone else, `You're wrong,' because there is none. It's all `what-E-verrrr.' Best of all, L.A. Story is a love story, the kind of love that adores someone as much for their faults as for their virtues. Martin's satire is so effective because he loves the city so much.