L.A. Story

Plot synopsis:
Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin) is a TV meteorologist living in Los Angeles. He is in a dead-end relationship with his social-climbing girlfriend Trudi (Marilu Henner). He wants to find some meaning and magic in his life, having grown increasingly weary of what he sees as the rather shallow and superficial city of LA.
At a luncheon with a group of friends, he meets Sara (Victoria Tennant), a journalist from London, with whom he immediately becomes infatuated.
Driving home that night, his car breaks down on the freeway. He notices that a freeway traffic condition sign seems to be displaying messages intended solely for him. It offers him cryptic advice on his love life throughout the movie.
He begins to fall for Sara, but she is conflicted because she has pledged to reconcile with her ex-husband, Roland (Richard E. Grant). Feeling that a relationship with Sara is unlikely, Harris begins dating SanDeE* (Sarah Jessica Parker), a ditzy aspiring spokesmodel, whom he meets at a clothing store. After his first date with her, Harris discovers that Trudi has been cheating on him for three years with his agent. The discovery leads him to pursue his romantic interest in Sara. This is complicated by his new relationship with SanDeE* and by Sara's feeling of obligation to Roland.
By the conclusion, he has successfully wooed Sara – with some encouragement and advice from the sign.

Tags: psychedelic, magical realism, satire, romantic

Review:
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.
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.
This is a movie for Steve Martin fans, because his unique, sensitive, accessible brand of humor and (more importantly) of life is apparent throughout..
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.
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".
I've read that this movie was Steve Martin's homage to a city he loves.
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.
This film is in many ways the best work Steve Martin has ever done.
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?.
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.
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.
Steve Martin stands for comedy, and this movie is filled with jokes; some very funny others pretty stupid.
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.
"L.A. Story" also contains some brilliant performances from it's cast, and for me Sarah Jessica Parker steals the movie as the adorable SaNdEe*.
Seeing it now, in 2002, a more adult me enjoys the upbeat comedic editorial on life and romance in Los Angeles that stands as a novel tribute to Woody Allen and his New York.If you don't watch closely, much of the fun will be missed.
Steve Martin employs a masterful understanding of language, storytelling, and magic in this modern fairy tale that follows a confused weather man through several romantic relationships and finally into true love.
You can thank Steve Martin for writing one of the most beautiful, intelligent and hilarious films ever.
Steve Martin proved that he is not only a "jerk" but can play in funny romantic movies as well.
Maybe it is I went to the film back in the early 90s with a "love" of myself but every time I see this movie with the Music of Enya I get chilles all over.
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.
In the course of the film he meets and falls in love with a UK news reporter (Tennant - his wife at the time) and has a fling with a delightfully air-headed shop girl (Sarah Jessica Parker).Most of the humor arises from a light hearted look at the California life style.
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.
At the end, that song gives me goose bumps...I think this is the best one Steve has ever made.I wish I could tell it to him some day.There is just something about this movie that you just can not grasp.......it's sheer magic!.
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 a film about falling in love  and it works.As I write this review, I cannot wait to watch this movie again.
For some reason, while browsing among Steve Martins movie, I felt like commenting on this little wonderful film.
Normally this uneven blending of two very different genres would never work, but give the guy credit for making it work splendidly well.In "L.A. Story," Martin plays Wacky Weatherman Harris K.
Every time you think that "L.A. Story" is settling down to go into the typical romantic comedy cliches, such as the slow-motion shower scene with the beautiful woman splashing her wet hair over the camera, something happens.
One knob says "Slow Motion," he turns it, and suddenly he's splashing over his hair and the camera in slow motion.)The movie features cameos ranging from Rick Moranis (who has starred in four films with Martin), Patrick Stewart, Woody Harrelson and even Chevy Chase.
And Steve Martin has hit gold with "L.A. Story." Fans and non-fans alike will love this movie.
A bit odd and devoid of humor at times but the always-enjoyable Steve Martin makes this a sweet comedy with a heart.3.5/5 stars -John Ulmer.
The film is full of joy and unexpected moments, touching, funny, and all completely smile inducing.In 2003, certainly a little dated -- but that's part of its charm as a comedy/romance.
There are also a number of cameos to keep an eye out for, such as: Patrick Stewart, Rick Moranis, Chevy Chase, and Woody Harrelson.If you are a fan of Steve Martin's other excellent films, then you ought to give this one a shot, I think you'll like it.
Steve Martin has made a few gems in his life, but this might be he best movie.
(Tennant later left Martin, so apparently the love ode was not good enough) Despite the real life sad ending to this tale, the movie itself holds up incredibly well as a look at superficiality and finding what is most important in life.
This is top comedy courtesy of genius Steve Martin, and although there is a sweet romance somewhere in the screenplay, the film's raison d'etre is the hilarious depiction of life in LA.
Telemacher, a wacky TV weatherman in the wackiest of places on earth, Los Angeles.It's marked as comedy, but despite some hilarious comic moments (and dead-on social commentary), it does have a serious love story at its heart, melding the comedy and romance perfectly toward the end...
The tragedy of course is that this is basically a true story, and that real life couple Martin and Tennant broke up shortly after this movie was completed..
Steve Martin, always funny, gives a wonderful performance and there are just some scenes that are hard to forget.
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.
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.
It's one of Sarah Jessica Parker's best and most-liked roles and she's just so cute, infectiously fun and quirky in it, and it's one of my favourite Steve Martin roles too.
He's typical Steve Martin; obsessive, anxious and rather crazy whilst following the clues set by the road sign in this metaphysical search for true love where a newly divorced whacky weather man tries to win the heart of lovely English newspaper reporter.There are so many famous face cameo roles to look out for in this giggle-fest, Shakespeare reference, bagpipes, colonic irrigation gags and one-liner's a-plenty.
It's a great story with some funny scenes, Steve Martin is his goofy self, which works well in his role.
A long-time fan of Steve Martin, I fell in love with this ode to a city that is at turns, crazy, violent and confusing, but at the same time, imbued with a underlying aura of magic and wonderment.
I've got three favorite movies, all of which are equally adored, but one takes the lead over the other two based on what kind of mood I'm in.LA Story is technically a romance, although it's not something that would hurt someone who's having difficult times romantically.
Loosely based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummers' Night Dream" This film is an excellent display of Steve Martin's wit, charm, and humor that has made him one of the most established comedic actors of the 20th Century.I highly recommend that anyone who has any intention of being in a romantic relationship watch this movie.Some of the one-liners are classic and worth remembering..
Next to his screenplay for Roxanne, Steve Martin's best mature work to date is L.A. Story.Like all great movies, L.A. Story is a layered movie.
It has some of Martin's trademark surreality (rollerskating through art museums and Shakespeare in the cemetery), but it lacks the nutty antics he displayed in The Jerk and All of Me.All in all, it is a wonderful love story, a quiet comedy, and a great tribute to L.A...
The fact that Steve Martin wrote this as well as starred in it shows just how talented he is, this is much better than his newer films such as 'The Man With Two Brains' or 'House sitter'.The story is interesting and flows smoothly, it's likely that you'll be interested until the end.
Why hasn't Steve Martin, as gifted a comedian as anyone in the last thirty odd years (and one of the few who is very good at playing both smart and dumb) made a lot of "great" movies?
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.
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.
This is one movie that will not only make you further appreciate Steve Martin's comic genius, but will also make you truly admire Los Angeles (I think).
Bathed in early 90s sunlight, which when exposed to the film stock of that time created an atmosphere without even trying LA Story is Steve Martin at his best.
Bathed in early 90s sunlight, which when exposed to the film stock of that time created an atmosphere without even trying LA Story is Steve Martin at his best.
But this is Steve Martin's movie and he is excellent as the straight faced funnyman trying to make sense of his career and the city he lives in.
But this is Steve Martin's movie and he is excellent as the straight faced funnyman trying to make sense of his career and the city he lives in.
'L.A. Story' is a yet another film, that showcases the astounding talent of Steve Martin.
[The film is a celebration of Love made more poignant by the real-life dissolution of the relationship between Martin & Tennant.].
A second one is helpful to catch all the clever background lines.If you liked this film, you will love Martin's 1999 critical success, 'Bowfinger.'All in all a fun movie.'LA Story' ***(7) 10'Bowfinger' (8) 10***1/2.
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.
These characters, along with great filming, unbelievably beautiful music and Steve Martin's acting (and writing) make this a movie I will continue to watch (and enjoy) over and over again.
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.
By and starring Steve Martin, 'L.A. Story' is a funny and whimsical movie through and through..
LA Story was one of the rare films Steve Martin wrote a screenplay for.
Victoria Tennant is Steve Martin's true love (ironically three years before they divorced).