Review of L.A. Story (1991) by Critic M — 05 Aug 2013

Written, co-produced by and starring Steve Martin and directed by Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard (1992) and Volcano (1997)), this is an amusing and sweet romantic comedy-fantasy, which Martin wrote as the Los Angeles response to New York Stories (1989), and had originally planned to have it being episodic and having a different director working on segments, but decided against it.

The result is one of his best works as a writer, and it shows how imaginative he is. In Los Angeles, wacky weekend weatherman Harris K. Telemacher (Martin) is good at his job, even if he is scorned by his peers for his antics, but his private life is a mess and going nowhere.

His girlfriend Trudi (Marilu Henner) is trying to climb the social ladder, which he doesn't want to do, but his life changes when he meets London journalist Sara (Victoria Tennant), who he falls in love with instantly, but Sara is at a loose end, as her ex-husband Roland (Richard E.

Grant) wants to reconcile with her. So, Harris can't seem to get a break, but he soon gets advice from a very unlikely source. A freeway traffic condition sign which displays words of wisdom and encourages Harris to turn his life around, and go with his gut instinct on what he feels is right.

It's a sweet film, and there are some surreal laughs throughout, especially when it makes out that Shakespeare spent his autumn years in L.A. It's a pity that Martin hasn't written more films than he should have, as he's very talented and has a good eye for character and a good ear for dialogue, plus the film is littered with loads of celebrity cameos throughout, which is quite fun.