L.A. Story

Why can’t I rent this?

Steve Martin at his best. Well worth a watch!

This review is an excerpt from my book “Killer B’s: The 237 Best Movies On Video You’ve (Probably) Never Seen,” which is available as an ebook on iBooks. If you enjoy this review, there are 236 more like it in the book (plus a whole lot more). Check it out! L.A. STORY: Love is magic. But can romance and magic exist in L.A.? Where else could it exist but in the land of make believe? One of several midlife crisis, romantic comedy-fantasies from this era, (“Defending Your Life,” “Groundhog Day” and “Joe vs. the Volcano,” for starters), this film is simultaneously wacky and wondrous, funny and touching. It’s a West Coast “Annie Hall” for the ‘90s (and, like “Annie Hall,” takes on even more poignant dimensions knowing that Martin and Tennant were married at the time and have since divorced.) Lovely touches include Martinesque insights into brain-dead L.A. lifestyles (driving to the house next door; restaurants that do credit checks); a parade of appearances (including Patrick Stewart, Chevy Chase, George Plimpton and Woody Harrelson); an abundance of Shakespearean references (watch for Rick Moranis in an uncredited role as a gravedigger); and a score featuring several Enya songs: the perfect ethereal accompaniment for this sweet romance. See it with someone you love—or would like to.

I'm not really a Steve Martin fan but LA Story ranks as one of my favorite comedies of all time. It is witty and engaging and a great way to spend an hour and a half. Plus, I am from LA but I can appreciate the satire with being offended! Steve Martin really nails it and his choice of an LA freeway sign as an oracle is a brilliant nod and send-up to the City of Angels.

I remember liking LA Story when it was first released, but I loved it even more re-watching it for the first time. It hasn't lost its edge with time.

please, please, please make this rentable!!!

LA Story is one of my all-time favorite movies. Having grown up in LA, each scene strikes home and reminds me of the good old days. (people really will get in their car to go next door in LA) Steve has several other works of fiction that have not yet been made into movies, but there is still hope.

I agree with all the comments here but I'll add one thing: Although Steve Martin is satirizing L.A., he is doing so lovingly and without contempt. I grew up in Northern CA and although that's a different world from Southern CA, I still "got" it 100% because it's so well done. It's a fantasy and the scene at the end makes me cry every time because it's touching and real even in the middle of all the light hearted loving satire. This movie has it all - humor, brilliance, intelligent wit, love, magic, fantasy and it knows when to get serious and when to poke fun. I just adore it and could watch it over and over. One of my favorite movies. Steve Martin has always enthralled me. He seems to "get it" about life and what it's all about. You must see this movie.

This has been my favorite movie since I was 12. However, that being said, have an open mind if you choose to watch it. I've never seen anything else like it, hence, why I think it's a valuble addition to my movie collection. It's quirky and playful, musing at L.A. and the individuals who live there but never quite critical. It's definitely Steve Martin Land material, a comedy loosly based on real-life experience in L.A. (so I suppose, anyway) but through the eyes of Steve Martin ...so you know it has to be a little warped. Much like L.A. It's a love story engaging two people and a place unlike any other. Watch it! Love it! Or hate it! But try it.

"pointy bird, oh pointy pointy..."