LA Blues (2007)

LA Blues Poster

Opening in a Hollywood parking lot on New Years Eve as a crowd gathers around an ambulance as a guy is being loaded in on a gurney, the story is told in flashback by one of the characters to a female detective who comes on the scene of what may have been an attempted suicide and he unravels the story of a year in the lives of 6 guys who hang out in a blues bar in Hollywood, watch sports, trash talk, and bitch about their lives, as they go through problems ranging from construction nightmares to divorce, gambling addiction, alcoholism, child custody fights, and all the headaches and heartaches men go through in the course of their lives. As the story unfolds, the audience is left wondering which one of these guys ended up in the ambulance, and why. The blues soundtrack is true to the nature of the music itself, and to the movie, as it's about heartache and longing, loving and losing, striving and failing.

Overview
"LA Blues" is a 2007 American comedy-drama film composed and directed by Ian Gurvitz. This film showcases the love and friendship of 6 buddies over time, starring characters like Dave Foley as Larry, Anthony Michael Hall as Tony, Sean Maguire as Jack, Nicholas D'Agosto as Tyler, and Kevin Rahm as Paul. The story happens in Los Angeles, California and is focused around the relationship characteristics between these pals, their love lives, and their specific struggles.

Plot Summary
"LA Blues" takes the audience on a captivating journey of relationship, hardships, and romance. It's a movie that explores the lives of six buddies-- Larry, Tony, Jack, Tyler, and Paul-- sharing their truths, failures, and successes while living in the heart of Los Angeles. Larry is a TV producer going through a messy divorce; Tony, a star struggling expertly; Jack, a director fumbling with his art; Tyler, a young writer trying to make his way in the film industry; and Paul, an accountant wrestling with a hazardous relationship.

The film begins with a poker video game where the group of friends gather frequently for camaraderie and easy going small talk. As the story unfolds, it's revealed that their lives are filled with issues, both in their personal and expert lives.

Character Evolution and Development
Each character in "LA Blues" has a distinct story. Larry is facing a bitter divorce and has to fight for the custody of his kid. Tony, although being an effective actor, battles with a stopping working career and personal insecurities. Jack is dissatisfied with the commercialisation of his craft and is pursuing artistic fact and stability. On the other hand, Tyler, the youngest among the group, strives to move his career forward, conflicted with his deep romantic yearnings towards a lady he can't have, and Paul is trapped in a poisonous relationship, having a hard time to choose whether he must break it off.

Ending
The movie wonderfully intertwines the individual development of each character together with their interpersonal dynamics. Throughout the movie, the audience witnesses their relationships progressing, with them understanding each other's issues and supporting each other through their respective struggles. The narrative concludes on a note of melancholy and happiness highlighting the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit. Irrespective of their successes and losses, all buddies cheer each other up and continue to depend on their friendship.

Total Summary
"LA Blues" takes the audience on a roller-coaster trip of feelings, delving deep into the characters' personal and professional lives against the backdrop of the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. The film showcases how they deal with their challenges, with each character experiencing a level of individual development and finding solace in their unfaltering friendships. "LA Blues" is a story of life, love, and friendships that persist through time, demonstrating how relationships can be a source of support in overcoming life's trials and tribulations.

Top Cast

  • Kevin Rahm (small)
    Kevin Rahm
    Bobby
  • Valerie Cruz (small)
    Valerie Cruz
    Det. Molina
  • Marsha Thomason (small)
    Marsha Thomason
    Carla
  • Dave Foley (small)
    Dave Foley
    Neil
  • Anthony Michael Hall (small)
    Anthony Michael Hall
    Larry
  • William Ragsdale (small)
    William Ragsdale
    Paul
  • Nicholas D'Agosto (small)
    Nicholas D'Agosto
    Adam
  • Sean Maguire (small)
    Sean Maguire
    Jack
  • Jaime Ray Newman (small)
    Jaime Ray Newman
    Jack’s Ex Wife
  • Rebecca McFarland (small)
    Rebecca McFarland
    Caren
  • Liza Lapira (small)
    Liza Lapira
    Sandra