LA Story is a great comedy film. Its comedy is of a serious nature and many may not find it enjoyable. Shot in the early 90s the film has a sort of sunny glow that paints the entire Los Angeles city scape. This is a love letter to the city of Los Angeles and there are some very gooey scenes which will make you want to visit the city of angels. Steve Martin during this time was at the top of his game and he is in sublime form here. His real life partner at the time Victoria Tennant is equally good as a new arrival to the city. Sarah Jessica Parker long before her famed stint in NYC is refreshing as the young, perky woman. L.A story is a very good comedy and an ode to Los Angeles.

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

I didn't know anything about this film's plot or story, but for the leading comedy star, and being rated four stars, I gave it a chance, from director Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard, Volcano). Basically "Wacky Weather" reporter Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin, also writing and producing) is undergoing a mild mid-life crisis and needs to find something meaningful in the insane chaos that is Los Angeles. One night driving on the freeway he pulls over, and a lit-up sign starts talking to him, and it gives him a riddle he must solve to change his life. Soon after Harris meets visiting British journalist Sara McDowel (Victoria Tennant), and it is apparent that they are falling for each other, and the sign could see this coming, and in the end she helps him solve the riddle. Also starring Richard E. Grant as Roland Mackey, Marilu Henner as Trudi, Sarah Jessica Parker as SanDeE*, Susan Forristal as Ariel, A Few Good Men's Kevin Pollak as Frank Swan, Sam McMurray as Morris Frost and Patrick Stewart as Mr. Perdue - Maitre D' at L'Idiot, with cameos by Chevy Chase as Carlo Christopher, Woody Harrelson as Harris' Boss, Terry Jones as Sara's Mother, Rick Moranis as Gravedigger and Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo as Voicephone. I may not have paid full attention at times, but there were some amusing moments that really satirise life in Los Angeles, accompanied with some scripting, a likable romantic comedy. Good!

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 *****