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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

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age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Alex2539001
Alex2539001 Adult
November 8, 2018
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
aec3
aec3 Parent of 11, 14 and 17-year-old
May 15, 2011
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
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Harris K. Telemacher (Steve Martin) is a Los Angeles weatherman who's deeply dissatisfied with his life. He spends the movie charting a new direction, both personally and professionally, against the backdrop of "anything goes" Los Angeles in the early '90s. L.A.'s own flavor of magical realism, in the form of an advice-dispensing freeway sign, guides him through three romantic relationships, from controlling, image-conscious Trudi (Marilu Henner) to frisky, fun SandEe (Sarah Jessica Parker, before Sex and the City), to quirky London journalist Sara (Victoria Tennant, Martin's real-life wife at the time). Written by Martin, the movie is both a love story and an homage to Los Angeles.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how to make choices that are best for you, not someone else.

  • What qualities are most important in a romantic relationship?

  • 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?

Movie Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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