source: L.A. Story

L.A. Story

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.

I'll keep it short. Please watch out for spoilers! I watched this movie because my friend loves it but there really isn't anything special in it. Steve Martin is funny...some of the time. Frankly, I thought that the script had him making too many one liners. But that didn't mean that this movie was completely unoriginal! No, on the contrary! The attention payed to detail was amazing and was what kept this movie afloat. L.A Story mocks California-girl/yuppy stereotypes tastefully. So, see it for a few laughs but don't be surprised by the hum drum plot. 6/10.

There are a lot of home truths in this quite often funny send up of life in Los Angeles, California, USA. This Mick Jackson film, written by and starring "Saturday Night Live" star Steve Martin, is based on the silly idea of a talking freeway sign (well not talking, but supposedly intelligent freeway sign that had been reincarnated, previously having been a bagpipe). Apart from this, "LA Story" is very entertaining throughout. There are moments of hilarity in this movie that balance well with the drama. Steve Martin was ably supported by British actors Victoria Tennant and Richard E. Grant. Friday, May 31, 1991 - Knox District Centre Second viewing of this 'story of LA' does not hold up nearly as well. The comedy is fairly flat as is the whole storyline. Definitely a once only movie. Sunday, April 5, 1992

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

L.A. Story is like The Jerk, another Steve Martin movie, in the sense that it tries so hard to assure the audience that it is a great movie, a fabulous fantasy, that one simply wants to run for cover. Steve Martin comedies are best when pulled off with a lighter touch (this has only happened twice: Roxanne and Parenthood). The film wants to be to L.A. inhabitants what Manhattan is to New Yorkers; it even copies Woody Allen's formula of the neurotic guy who is juggling relationships. Most of the running gags go too far and the film is self-congratulatory to the extent of predictability though (when the magic electric street sign tells Martin that the meaning of life is a pop song-I won't give away which one-we just know it will be played at the end credits). Martin has charm, though, and there are quite a few funny moments.

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.

I wasn't expecting to be disappointed either cos I heard it was good, but I was. I only liked Sarah Jessica Parker's bubbly character, Sande! Everything else was boring! To me, the movie didn't really say much to me! I kept on thinking, "What is the point to this movie anyway?" Of course, there is a point, but if there is, I didn't catch...also I don't think I would want to. I saw no taste in any of the characters whatsoever. Steve Martin's character should've had a much better occupation than a weather forecaster...like maybe an actor or director or something more tasteful. And why would you want to roller-skate in an art museum anyway? I totally disliked "L.A. Story"!

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