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Parents' Guide to

L.A. Story

By Angela Tiene, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

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

Movie PG-13 1991 95 minutes
L.A. Story Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 14+

Sweet and funny

If you like Steve Martin, I think this is one of his better works. And they messed up in the review above. I don't live in L.A. and never have so the review above is silly. It was a national box office movie with many jokes about the early 90s which are still relevant today...about art, coffee, weathermen, love, human nature, and life. I think it has a lovely emotional meaning about self-discovery but never gets too serious. I rated 14 just because Martin's character is exploring relationships with girlfriends and there are a couple "in bed" scenes (which are not very graphic).

This title has:

Great messages
age 17+
Somebody reallly messed up!!!!! The review says there is NO nudity!!! OH YES THERE IS!!! Very early on in the movie full close up of bare breast are seen! My husband and I turned the movie off at that point.

This title has:

Too much sex

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The movie is a sweet and poignant love story, both between Harris and Sara and Steve Martin and Los Angeles. Martin's deftly written script simultaneously celebrates and pokes fun at a city that doesn't take itself too seriously. Many jabs are related to its residents' love affair with cars: Harris drives to his best friend's house, though it's just two doors down, and his shortcut to work involves barreling through backyards and down staircases (what Angeleno doesn't have a secret detour to dodge traffic?). And the film's voice of wisdom, who helps Harris change his life? A freeway sign.

While kids will find Martin's oddball antics entertaining, some of the inside jokes about L.A. seem a bit dated; for example, there's a scene ridiculing people with "car phones" (remember those?). But kids who've spent any time in Los Angeles (or whose parents have) will get the joke when characters flock to a hot new restaurant, L'Idiot, and clamor for miniscule portions and abusive service.

Movie Details

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