Anssi Vartiainen
94 % on Rotten Tomatoes? Full four stars from Roger Ebert? What am I missing here? What am I not seeing that makes this such a beloved Los Angeles experience for everyone else? Because, frankly, I thought this to be one of the most boring movies I've ever seen.Where to start. Steve Martin is not funny in this one. I get that they tried to go for a more surreal tone, and to convey his love for the city, instead of just making a straight up slapstick comedy. But I can still see that it was meant to be at least partially comedic. The only problem being that I didn't even smile, not once. Every single joke at the expense of the typical Los Angeles stereotypes I had already seen, numerous times, over and over again. The dialogues were obviously meant to sound forced and shallow in order to make us laugh, but to me they come across only as painful.The story was riddled with clichés, obvious stereotypes, age old situations and just straight corniness. And even the surreal elements didn't make it any less boring, because they didn't connect with anything. A billboard? What is that even meant to represent? Our dependence on advertising? The only saving grace was the fact that Sarah Jessica Parker's character was at least perky and cute to watch. And that's it.Perhaps it's the fact that I've never been to Los Angeles, or even USA, for that matter. Perhaps I'm just incapable of getting it. Nevertheless, this was an awful experience for me and I cannot in good conscience recommend it to anyone.
g-bodyl
L.A Story is a much better film than I thought and quite frankly, a film that Steve Martin should have made more of. I really liked the film because sometimes, it is over-the-top crazy and hilarious. I really loved the fantasy aspects of the film, especially when there is a talking billboard involved. My favorite scene is when they are traveling down the freeway and drivers shoot each other because that's just the way it is. I loved that satirical concept. Of course, the film has good themes involving finding true love and trying to bring meaning in your life.This film is a about a wacky weatherman named Harris who lives a cliché-ridden life in L.A. He has a girlfriend who loves to spend money, but he isn't truly happy. When he has a chance encounter with a billboard that seemingly has a mind like Dr. Phil, he realizes there is fish in the sea for him, and in particular one fish from England who is visiting L.A and trying to find sense in this weird world.Steve Martin was very good in the film. When given the right material, Martin can be the funniest guy in the world. He shows off that side in this movie, but he also shows a tender side to himself. Even the wacky personalities can love and be saddened when they don't get the love of their dreams. I also liked the young Sarah Jessica Parker who played a "love" interest of Harris.Overall, L.A Story is a truly wonderful film that is funny, seemingly original, well-written, and quite romantic. The offbeat humor may turn away some people, but this is the kind of role that Steve needs. He was born for these roles. If it wasn't for him, I'm not sure if this film would have worked. A very amusing film.My Grade: A
Mr Black
One of my favorite things about this movie - is it is original. Although I pretty much like everything Steve Martin has ever done, I thought this was one of his most clever works. It pokes fun at L.A. and everything to do with it. Written by someone who actually lives there. The cinematography is top notch with some very clever designed scenes. The cast is all excellent - especially Sarah Jessica Parker who plays Steve' somewhat love interest. She can't stop bouncing - up, down, sideways, all around. We all know a girl like that. The dialogue is well planned with some zany stuff thrown in and the references to Shakespeare are clever. Love this movie.
Tweekums
This might not be the most laugh out loud funny of Steve Martin's films but it is my favourite. Martin plays LA weatherman Harris Telemacher; he thinks he is happy but really he is depressed; everything about his life is a cliché; his girlfriend Trudi clearly holds him in contempt, the people he associates with are all the same and even the weather he forecasts is always 72° and sunny. Then one day he meets Sarah, an English journalist writing a piece about Los Angeles
after that his life won't be the same again. Of course it won't be simple; he is still with Trudi and Sarah is giving her ex one last chance. Soon strange things start to happen; he breaks down in front of a freeway sign and it starts to address him; he finds himself single and dating SanDeE*; a girl who will be twenty seven in four years time
still he dreams of Sarah.L.A. Story is one of those films that make me smile from start to finish; it is funny, it is surreal and it is packed with little things that make it charming. Highlights include the way he keeps (mis)quoting Shakespeare as though he was referring to Los Angeles, his attempts to book a table at a fancy restaurant and his long and detailed description of how a painting is almost erotic then we see it just a canvas painted in various shades of red. Martin is on top form as he gives this love song to LA while simultaneously gently mocking it. He is ably supported by Victoria Tennant, Richard E, Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker as well as some well known actors in cameo roles. The film is accompanied by a selection of music that fits perfectly including 'La Mer', 'Do Wad Diddy, Diddy' and even 'Amazing Grace' performed by the road sign. If you are a fan of Steve Martin or like the city of Los Angeles then I think this is a must see.
AD
