BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
(FOUR) LA STORY
The opening to this movie is great. Steve Martin wrote and starred in this one. It’s HIS movie. He rocks it in this weird early 90’s rom com. It’s really ahead of its time. It’s not cut in the cloth of a modern indie film, but the sensibilities and witty retort is there. If you haven’t seen LA Story then you’re missing out on one of the best rom coms of the 90s.
(THREE) FATHER OF THE BRIDE
This is the classy spot for Martin. He always had classy roles and carried himself with a certain dignity. Parenthood came out in 89 and really made Martin come off as a somewhat younger father figure. This is the movie that I think showed a mature Steve Martin in a classic role. This could have been a Jack Lemon role or another old schooler. This movie has bow-ties and the greatest rant about the hot dog/bun packaging ratio of all time.
(TWO) BOWFINGER
Made in 1999, this movie almost doesn’t make the cut. This movie is great. We get Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy in a smart comedy that’s well written and hilarious? Thank you, more please. I can relate to Steve Martin’s character in this movie very much. This guy is desperate as hell to get his movie done at all costs. He never gives up and never loses his charm. It’s weird because technically he’s the lead, but he’s also sorta the dick of the movie. He wants his movie done so much that he manipulates as much as possible to make it happen. Still, there’s a sense of loveable charm to the character. Maybe I’m just projecting…
(ONE) MY BLUE HEAVEN
This movie is so underappreciated it hurts. How the hell this movie is not considered one of the all time great comedies is beyond me. Steve Martin, Rick Moranis, Joan Cusack, and others owned this movie. Moranis is a cop assigned to keep an eye on Martin, a former mobster in Witness Protection. Steve Martin is insane in this role. It’s not “The Jerk”, but it’s up there. I just wish I wasn’t alone in this. Do yourself a favor. Watch this movie and hate yourself for missing out this long.
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