How do you prepare for a trip? There’s the obvious; deciding what to wear and pack, shopping for some new shoes, getting plane and hotel tickets organized, and prepping all manner of things at home. Then there are the extra things you can do. Buy the travel books, scour the internet and ask all your friends about all the things you must see before you head out on that next vacation. One more fabulous and fun thing I like to do before a big adventure? The magical trick that can help to build the excitement and get you in the vacay mood weeks or even months in advance? Dive into the world of cinema and find movies and television shows based on your vacations location! Next month we are headed to Los Angeles and there’s no shortage of cinematic gold to help get us ready for our adventure.
Here are my Must Watch Flicks before you tour Los Angeles.
LA Story (1991)
Picture courtesy of www.impaawards.com
Steve Martin stars as a TV meteorologist looking for love and an electronic freeway sign plays Cupid. Endearing and funny!
La La Land (2016)
Picture courtesy of imdb.com
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Sigh. “Two proper L.A. dreamers, a suavely charming soft-spoken jazz pianist and a brilliant vivacious playwright, while waiting for their big break, attempt to reconcile aspirations and relationship in a magical old-school romance.” via IMDb
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Hello, comedy genius! Eddie Murphy plays Axel Foley, a smart aleck cop from Detroit thrust into the world of Beverly Hills. He immediately sees past the fake world hiding behind power and money to reveal the sordid secrets hiding beneath the surface and makes us laugh along the way.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Should I admit this is one I hadn’t seen! A group of Southern California high school students are exploring and learning about some not so very scholarly subjects; sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. Set in LA so worth a watch.
L.A. Confidential (1997) Kim Basinger is a high-class call girl named Lynn Bracken in this story of three detectives (Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, and Guy Pearce) who independently stumble upon the same overwhelming, conspiracy. Does Kim Basinger ever age?
Clueless (1995) 
The retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma”, this is a comical look at the LA scene. Alicia Silverstone plays Cher Horowitz, a wealthy, teenage girl preoccupied with all things matchmaking and her favourite place, the mall.
Pretty Woman (1990) 
A Classic! Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, a business man and a prostitute in a Cinderellaish love story. “While on a business trip in L.A., Edward, who makes a living buying and breaking up companies, picks up a hooker, Vivian, on a lark. After Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for the weekend, the two get closer, only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.” quote via www.imdb.com
Do you have a favourite movie shot or set in LA?
I remember watching Beverly Hills Cop in my BFF’s basement when we were in grade 6. Her dad rented it from the local video store. It was R rated and we were so excited to see it. I still remember laughing my ass off at the opening scene. It was an amazing movie and I’ve watching it over and over through the years. Also, LOVED Fast Times at Ridgemont High. I remember watching in on cable TV as a kid and then seeing it off a video and remembering all the editing out the TV version had, LOL! Clueless is another one that I love. I’ve seen that one a bunch of times and it always makes me laugh. Loved Pretty Women too. I love The Big Lebowski too, which is also set in L.A. 😉
I should really pick up on watching movies too ! Because of my job, I am able to pack quite quick ! Most just looking at the weather and pack layering cloths. However, it is so much more complicated packing for my little toddler! So much more to think about geez LOL and mama always forgets something! Oh well, there’s shops everywhere nowadays 🙂
I haven’t had a TV for 7 years now. Don’t miss it or the associated cable costs! I have signed on for Netflix once or twice but get bored. A good book is first and foremost my addiction. LALA Land looks like it might be worth the effort.
Great list of movies. I have not see La La Land. Adding it to my list to watch.
what a great movie line up! actually you listed my fav movie…Clueless! I have watched that movie so many times i basically know the movie word for word lol. Can’t help it, it’s cute, goofy and makes me laugh
Shame on me but a couple of those i haven’t seen yet,but La La Land do look interesting!
I’ve seen a few of your Must Watch Flicks and enjoyed them, but haven’t seen La La Land yet. I’ve heard great reviews on it, so looking forward to seeing it soon.
Would like to head to LA and still need to watch LaLaLand! Enjoy.
I don’t believe there is one favorite but I liked the views- so gorgeous and dreamy.
Lol who doesn’t remember pretty woman and clueless, I shouldn’t read this it’s making me feel
Old hahaha you rock! Thanks for bringing back old memories ❤️
I’ve seen them all and like Beverly Hills Cop best.
I’ve seen several of these movies and have heard of all of them. I think I will give them a try, too.
I find when there is alot of raves about a movie it is usually something I do not like. La La Land does not look that good to me. Matrix,pulp fiction, ect Not for me but big at the box office.
Every one of your movie picks brings back different memories of myself and family watching movies and growing up.. Fast!! 😊
I’m ashamed to admit how many of these movies I haven’t seen!