L.A. Story is a tremendous romantic comedy just a notch below Moulon Rouge or High Fidelity, and similar to Roxanne. There are a lot of in-jokes for Californians, but I found the comedy accessible. The film is really stronger on the romance side, and has something to say about people who are somewhat phony and put up barriers to the world. As with Roxanne there is a little classic literature dropped in. There are quite a few cheesy moments where the lack of sophistication in the characters and plot does show. But there are also powerful, moving scenes, such as linking falling in love to the awe and wonder of childhood, and the airplane scene which brought tears to my eyes. And that's quite something; I almost never cry at the movies!
And of course, I loved the music by Enya! Check it out.
Who should see this film:
-- romantic comedy goers, a must see
-- action film guys like me, it's OK to see it with your SO (but see if you can get her to see Enemy at the Gate, too)
I'll give L.A. Story a surpassed-its-original-expectations 9 out of 10.
