Two of the films I was impressed with at MSPfest happen to be directed by women. One was Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist, which is as far away from this one in terms of tone and subject matter, but I’d highly recommend both. I like the fact that this one is a comedy, it’s quite rare to see a well-written comedies these days that don’t contain overly foul language and/or crude sexual/bathroom humor. Thankfully, this debut film from Lake Bell contains neither, but it definitely delivers the laughs and then some.
In A World (2012)
An underachieving vocal coach is motivated by her father, the king of movie-trailer voice-overs, to pursue her aspirations of becoming a voiceover star. Amidst pride, sexism and family dysfunction, she sets out to change the voice of a generation.
As someone who watch at least half a dozen movie trailers a week, the premise definitely appeals to me. In fact, earlier today I saw a trailer of Inescapable that pretty much had this cheesy VO narration that tells you the plot of the story. The protagonist of this movie, Carol (Lake Bell), lives under the shadow of her voice-over star dad Sam Solomon (Fred Melamed). After being kicked out of her dad’s house to accommodate for his new young wife — which Carol refers to as his groupie — she has to pack her bags and live with her sister.
As a vocal coach, Carol often has to coach certain celebrities when they have to adopt a certainly adopt a certain accent, but voicing a trailer is still pretty much an elite boys club. An opportunity suddenly presents itself when a big studio is looking for a voice over for a quadrilogy blockbuster sci-fi franchise and with the help of her friend Louis (Demetri Martin), she just might have a chance to break into the glass ceiling of that industry. The whole VO competition involving her dad and another VO star Gustav, an eccentric douche bag who takes a shine on Carol, provide most of the laughs. Ken Marino is a hoot as Gustav, a familiar face though I can’t quite put my finger on what movies I’ve seen him in. There’s also a comical side plot about Carol’s sister marital infidelity involving a seductive hunk in the form of Irish hunk Jason O’Mara. Seriously who could resist him with his natural Irish brogue 😉
This is the first time I’ve seen Lake Bell, though I’ve heard of her before this movie. She not only star in this but also wrote and directed her debut film, and I must say I’m impressed! She’s got excellent comic timing and a knack for accents, and the story is surprisingly engaging and downright hilarious. The tall and svelte Bell could make a living as a model but she really made herself to look very plain here as a perpetually-disheveled tomboy whose ‘signature look’ is a denim overall. But she’s instantly likable and she surround herself with equally affable and amusing characters.
It was fun to see cameos from Geena Davis, Eva Longoria and Cameron Diaz as well, the scene of Longoria struggling to say just one simple line with a British accent had me in stitches! This movie premiered in Sundance a few months ago and I hope it’ll get some decent distribution in the coming months. I’m glad I got to see this comedic gem, and it’s one I actually don’t mind seeing again.
Thoughts on IN A WORLD and/or Lake Bell?
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FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
I have this movie in my Saved section on Netflix. Am hoping it actually moves up to the Available Now section soon ;-D
I’m afraid it’ll be a while before it gets to Netflix, I don’t even know if this one is gonna be released in the theaters here in the Midwest. But I think you’d enjoy this one Becky!
I don’t completely buy into a common ‘sexism in Hollywood’ train of thought that are in some circles but I don’t totally deny it either. The main thing is I LOVE seeing more female directors. It offers such a new and diverse vision and voice. Sounds like this is definitely a movie I would like to see. And as you know I really appreciate that they don’t need the crutch of profanity and vulgarity. Count me in!
Ahah, well I think there are more than one proof that ‘sexism in Hollywood’ exist, perhaps even more so than racism. But in any case, it’s never more true than in the VO world that’s completely dominated by men, that’s why this movie is quite spot on. Plus it’s hilarious! There are some swear words here and there but nowhere near as crude as a lot of comedies out there.
I have never heard of this before but it sounds very interesting. The title makes a lot more sense now lol
Ahah yeah, it’s a pretty clever title and it’s referenced effectively in the movie.
Sounds good Ruth! Not heard of this one before but that certainly sounds like a pretty original premise which is always nice to see.
It’s pretty rare to see a movie w/ an original premise isn’t it? Almost as rare as finding a good and also heartfelt comedy, directed by a woman no less!
I’ve never heard of this movie, might give it a rent since it’s about something that sort of interests me. VO for movie trailers aren’t common in today’s film trailers but it always interests me. It’s funny because at my last gig, I worked at a company where they make videos for car dealerships and they have full time voice over actors.
Sorry I missed your comment here Ted. Ahah, well your former co-workers should definitely see this one, it’s actually quite hilarious!
Nice review. I’ve heard of this a few times before and it sounds interesting.
Thanks! It got positive response from Sundance but generally still unknown sadly. Hope you’ll check it out!
I love multi-talented, fearless artists doing their thing. Looking forward to watching this one, somehow, some time.
Glad to hear Cindy! Since you’ve just listed some prominent female directors, I think Lake Bell just might join that list one day. She’s definitely more than a pretty face.
I believe you, although I wish I could see the film!
Geena Davis? huh? Haven’t seen her in much lately. nice spotlight Ruth
Yeah, I was surprised to see her too but she kind of looks odd in this movie.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Ruth. It sounds quite interesting. Will try to track it down when I get some time.
Hello Bonjour!! I was fortunate to catch this at the film fest as otherwise I probably have to wait a long time for it to get to dvd/Netflix. I hope you track it down (I know somehow you’d be able to 😉 ) as it’s really worth a look.
This seems like a movie I would enjoy. I think I’ve seen Lake Bell before, but I can’t remember. Thanks for sharing your review!
I think you would Andina. There’s a bit of romance here too but not in a cheesy rom-com way. Mostly it’s just the hilarity that Lake Bell’s character in trying to get into the VO industry.
Looks great Ruth! I’ll definitely check this one out.
Hope this would get some kind of theatrical release Josh, I think you’d enjoy this one.
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This came up in my feed today despite being an older review lol. I really liked this too, I watched it a few years ago.
I was doing some updates to it, not sure why it appears again on the feed, ahah. Yeah it’s a strong debut from Lake Bell, hope she makes more movies!