L.A. Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A weatherman dates a bimbo and gets love advice from a sentient freeway sign because L.A.

🍿 L.A. Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Harris and His L.A. Life

Harris K. Telemacher, played by Steve Martin, is a “wacky weekend weatherman” living in Los Angeles. He’s searching for meaning in his life, which he finds increasingly shallow and superficial. He navigates the absurdities of L.A. life, from pretentious coffee orders to bizarre freeway etiquette.

Meeting Sara and SanDeE*

Harris’s life takes an interesting turn when he meets Sara McDowell, a British journalist, and SanDeE*, an aspiring spokesmodel. Sara is in L.A. to write a story for the London Times. SanDeE* is a stereotypical LA woman who is willing to have a casual fling, while Harris is immediately drawn to Sara’s honesty and charm.

The Talking Freeway Sign

One night, Harris’s car breaks down on the freeway, and he encounters an electronic sign that seems to be communicating with him directly. The sign gives him cryptic messages and advice, guiding him on his quest for love and meaning in the city. This sign becomes a recurring motif and source of guidance throughout the film.

Relationship Complications

Harris juggles his relationships with Sara and SanDeE*, while also dealing with his shallow girlfriend Trudi who is cheating on him with his agent. He finds himself increasingly drawn to Sara, but she is hesitant due to her commitment to her ex-husband, Roland. Meanwhile, his encounter with SanDeE* leads to humorous and awkward situations.

Finding Love and Breaking Free

As Harris spends time with Sara, he realizes that she is the one for him. However, their path to love is filled with obstacles and misunderstandings. Ultimately, the talking freeway sign and a series of comical events lead them to confront their feelings and choose each other.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harris (Steve Martin): A wacky Los Angeles weatherman searching for meaning and love in a superficial city, guided by a talking freeway sign.
• Sara (Victoria Tennant): A British journalist visiting Los Angeles, who captures Harris’s heart but struggles with her commitment to her ex-husband.
• SanDeE* (Sarah Jessica Parker): A ditzy and energetic aspiring spokesmodel who briefly dates Harris and embodies the stereotypical LA lifestyle.
• Trudi (Marilu Henner): Harris’s status-obsessed girlfriend who is unfaithful and represents the superficiality he dislikes about Los Angeles.
• Roland (Richard E. Grant): Sara’s ex-husband, a tuba player, attempting to reconcile with her while she explores her connection with Harris.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harris: “I’m in right now, so you can talk to me personally. Please start talking at the sound of the beep.” – This is Harris’s answering machine message, reflecting his quirky and direct personality.
• Harris: “I must admit, when I see a painting like this, I get emotionally… erect.” – Harris says this while humorously analyzing an abstract painting, showcasing the film’s absurd art commentary.
• Freeway Sign: “The weather will change your life.” – The sign’s cryptic message that sets the protagonist’s journey in motion.
• Sara: “A kiss may not be the truth, but it is what we wish were true.” – Sara’s insightful line about the nature of desire and connection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $28,862,081
• Worldwide Gross: $28,862,081

💥 L.A. Story Reviews

Personal Review

I adore “L.A. Story”! It’s like a warm hug and a gentle ribbing all rolled into one. Steve Martin’s love for Los Angeles shines through, even when he’s poking fun at it. The talking freeway sign is pure genius, and Enya’s music gives the movie a dreamy, magical quality. The museum scene is a personal favorite because it’s the time when you can see their relationship beginning. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, this is my go-to movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve Martin’s quirky humor”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a touch of surrealism”
  • “People interested in films that satirize Los Angeles culture”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Brief depictions of infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “A witty and surreal romantic comedy that perfectly captures the quirky charm and eccentricities of Los Angeles. Steve Martin’s writing is sharp, and the film is filled with memorable moments and hilarious observations.
• FandomWire: “A charming and inventive film that blends romance, comedy, and fantasy into a delightful cinematic experience. The film’s unique premise and quirky characters make it a standout in the romantic comedy genre.

Audience Reactions

The satirical humor perfectly captures the essence of Los Angeles life.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s wit, originality, and heartfelt story.

The talking freeway sign is a unique and memorable element that adds to the film’s charm.: The film’s blend of romance, comedy, and fantasy resonates with audiences of all ages.

Overall Consensus: “L.A. Story” is a beloved romantic comedy that offers a witty and affectionate look at Los Angeles, with memorable characters and a touch of surrealism.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve Martin wrote the screenplay as a love letter to Los Angeles, where he has lived for many years.”
• “Martin and Victoria Tennant, who played Sara, were married at the time of filming. They divorced three years later.”
• “The film features several cameos, including Chevy Chase, Woody Harrelson, and Patrick Stewart, adding to its comedic flavor.”

🖥️ How to Watch L.A. Story?

L.A. Story is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or buy the movie. Check your local listings or streaming services for availability in your region. Some services may offer the film as part of a subscription, while others require a separate purchase or rental.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed L.A. Story, you might like these similar films:

• Manhattan (1979): Both films serve as love letters to their respective cities (New York and Los Angeles) and explore neurotic relationships.
• Annie Hall (1977): Like L.A. Story, it features witty dialogue and explores the complexities of romance with a comedic edge.
• Roxanne (1987): Another Steve Martin-penned romantic comedy that blends intelligence and humor.
• 500 Days of Summer (2009): A modern romantic comedy that incorporates unconventional storytelling and explores the disillusionment of love in a quirky way.

🛒 L.A. Story Related Products

• L.A. Story [Blu-ray]: A high-definition Blu-ray release of “L.A. Story”, featuring enhanced picture and sound quality for a more immersive viewing experience. Comes with bonus features like deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage.
• L.A. Story – The Complete Soundtrack: A digital download of the complete soundtrack to “L.A. Story”, featuring the iconic music of Enya and other artists. Perfect for reliving the film’s magical moments.
• L.A. Story – “How Daddy is Doing?” T-Shirt: A stylish T-shirt featuring the iconic phrase “How Daddy is Doing?” from the movie “L.A. Story”. Made from high-quality cotton for a comfortable fit and long-lasting wear.
• California Dreamin’ – Los Angeles Inspired Scented Candle: A scented candle designed to capture the essence of Los Angeles, inspired by the movie “L.A. Story”. Features a blend of citrus, ocean breeze, and floral notes, creating a refreshing and uplifting aroma.

🎧 Soundtrack

L.A. Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Epona” – performed by Enya
• “Exile” – performed by Enya
• “Doo Wah Diddy” – performed by Manfred Mann

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

LA SPEED STORY – SR-71 Pilot Brian Shul USAF (Ret.)

Ever wondered what it’s like to break the sound barrier over LA? This SR-71 pilot tells an insane true story about a ground speed check that’ll give you chills – definitely worth a listen!

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