L.A. Story
L.A. Story
PG-13 | 08 February 1991 (USA)

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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.

Reviews
ChanBot

i must have seen a different film!!

VeteranLight

I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

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Pacionsbo

Absolutely Fantastic

Dirtylogy

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

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John Brooks

Very Steve Martin like. But somewhat average at it.I think that would summarize this one quite well.It's very Martin-like because it's got a sense of general distortion and endearing over-the-top fantasy, but while always keeping a very vivid grip on reality. It's a mix of romance; as often one that is very intense and that emphasizes on the emotional strain of love; and comedy of course.Victoria Tennant does a good job playing the counterpart to Martin's character.It's fun, very naive, has an element of endearing sympathy and subscribes to the modern fairytale genre.Not bad, but Martin's done better.

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caledoniatraining

This is a film about the interface between the neurotypical world and that of autism. It is essentially about the absurdity of the normal world in which people say what they don't mean and live lives according to the bizarre protocols that frame what is considered to be normal. Mr Martin sees both worlds but is more comfortable with the 'abnormal'. He has a unique perspective on the discontinuity between the two. The Freeway sign helps his character to interpret what is happening in a environment in which he feels that he does not quite belong and it is a masterful commentary on the awkwardness that exists between the logical Spock-like world of ASD and what LA represents (the epitome of NT existence). I think.

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TheLittleSongbird

I'd say Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Jerk and The Man with Two Brains are marginally better as far as Steve Martin films go, but LA Story is a true gem and not only one of Martin's better films but I think one of his better performances too. The film is very warm-hearted, touching and quirky, and Martin plays his part absolutely beautifully, it is a slight departure to some of his other roles but there are enough ingredients there to please fans. The script is both funny and charming, the soundtrack is absolutely stunning, there are some truly lovely comic set pieces, the direction is fine, the pacing is brisk and the story is never dull and like the film is warm-hearted. Martin is supported solidly by Sarah Jessica Parker and Richard E. Grant, and Rick Moranis and Patrick Stewart's cameos were a delight too. Overall, amazing film, definitely worth seeing. 10/10 Bethany Cox

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Andy (film-critic)

If one wanted to do a mural for the town you grew up in, the town you experienced life within, the tow you call "home", how would it happen? Would paint and a blank canvass be the conventional and only method? Steve Martin, comedian at large, thinks not. In 1991 he wrote and starred in a Hollywood vehicle that shows his love for that western part of America – specifically the town he resides – Los Angeles. Continuing my quest through LA (which began with "LA Confidential" and continues with "LA Takedown" and "LA Without a Map"), Martin's film was a welcomed trip into the honesty of comedy, the ability to create smart jokes for audiences, and finally, be able to pull emotion from a story which involves a riddled electronic billboard. With characters centered in depth, comedy that sparks from the absurd and transforms into chaotic, and finally that underlying sense of fantasy – Martin proves again (beginning with "Roxanne") that he is more than just a zany comic, but an endearing member of Hollywood with true talent hidden behind the "Pink Panther" façade.Why does "LA Story" work and remain an unsung hero within the era of 90s cinema? This is one of those films that when walking through the video store, or randomly thumbing through the television stations, may just pass you by. It is a subtle box with Steve Martin merely wearing skates in what seems to be a mid-dance pose. It isn't a grabbing photo, but then again, this isn't a grabbing film. This is subtle, smooth, and relaxing – "LA Story" is a film that requires numerous viewings, not because it is a deep story, but because of the scope of what Martin is trying to say. If the phrase "How Daddy is Doing" doesn't mean anything to do, than you need to reexamine this film. Everything fits in this movie. The actors are superb, playing into the world of absurd coupled with common, the acting is direct and whimsical, and the music enhances the experience. This is the perfect film for rainy days, spring afternoons, cold winters, or just about any other moment of life. There are jokes that will make you laugh out loud and others that will make you think. This is a film about falling in love – and it works.As I write this review, I cannot wait to watch this movie again. This is a film I watched in the mid-90s and continue to watch, recommend, buy, and dedicate to friends and family – which is a rarity in today's standards.Grade: ***** out of *****

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