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L.A. Story

(1991, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Steve Martin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Tennant)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sweet and quirky, but only L.A. kids will get the joke.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, honesty, materialism

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Older kids and teens might enjoy the depiction of Los Angeles as a place where there are no rules, and where adults can always redefine themselves. But they’ll also take away the message that sometimes the easy pleasures in life aren’t always the most satisfying: Harris finds happiness not from a superficial social life or a casual sexual relationship, but from finding a true companion.

  • Role models:

    Harris is a fun-loving, good person who’s willing to chuckle at life’s absurdities, and even revel in them. By the movie’s end, he’s also learned to strive for what will truly make him happy, not just keep him entertained. Sara is a strong female character who doesn’t bow to convention; she’s quirky and odd, and makes no apologies for it. Many supportive characters are frivolous or superficial, but mostly well-intentioned.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some fantasy violence and arguing. “Road rage” is played for laughs when everyone on the freeway pulls out a gun and starts shooting, though no one is harmed. There’s some verbal abuse and shoving during a workplace argument.

  • Sex:

    Sex is addressed in a lighthearted way, and as a positive part of adult relationships. One character is cheating on her boyfriend, another couple has an open relationship. Three sex scenes contrast casual sex vs. making love, but there’s no nudity.

  • Language:

    Occasional playful swearing; the word “f--k” is used once.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults are shown drinking responsibly at social engagements. One character nurses a hangover after overindulging the night before.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About L.A. Story

Parents need to know that this offbeat comedy is not just a love story, but also a tribute to Los Angeles. Steve Martin’s goofy antics and witty dialogue will keep teens entertained, but the early-'90s humor feels a little dated, and the L.A. in-jokes might be lost on teens unfamiliar with Los Angeles lore. The characters navigate the complexities of casual sex and meaningful relationships in a whimsical yet loving manner that older kids and teens will understand. There's also some profanity and fantasy violence.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how to make choices that are best for you, not someone else.
  • Why is Harris unhappy with his life as the movie opens?
  • What makes your town or city special to you? How is where you live different from Los Angeles, or other places you’ve read about or visited?
  • What qualities are most important in a romantic relationship?
Tools and tips that can help

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