Movie Review: In a World …
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Lake Bell makes her directorial debut with the film, In a World…. Additionally, this is also her first trifecta, having also written and stared in the movie. So how did she do? Not bad, but not all that great either. There were definite highs and there were certainly some lows. Overall, In a World… is quirky, awkward and just a bit better than mildly entertaining.
The story centers on Carol (Lake Bell), a thirty-year old vocal coach that has only a slight interest in obtaining success as a voice-over star. Having been introduced to the industry by Carol’s successful voice-over father, Sam (Fred Melamed), we then come to find that she is pretty darn good at emulating many different people. Unfortunately, Carol does not have the self-esteem or drive to get things going in her own career. Quite by accident, she auditions for voice-over work on several different commercials – and gets them! So, she is on her way, to the big time. A woman’s voice in an industry prevalent to men is making waves that are not readily accepted by many, especially her father.
So I’ll start with the good. The chemistry between Carol and her love interest Louis (Demetri Martin) is very amusing and really does work well. It’s awkward and silly and you’ll find yourself really liking both of them, especially together. Outside of that, the overall theme of the story is intriguing in that it is different; I can’t say that I have experienced the subject of voice-overs in a film ever before. You also get a peek into a different side of Hollywood, the not so glamorous side. I did find that very interesting and real.
This now leads us to the bad. Lake Bell’s character Carol is annoying. Her slobby, always looking like a deer in a headlight look is tiresome, and for me it got old real quick. What I will not expound upon is Eva Longoria’s role as Eva Longoria! It’s just completely embarrassing and words escape me as to what one can say as to why she would ever accept this role. Was it a personal favor to Bell? Geena Davis, most likely also had a favor called in for her inconsequential role.
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In conclusion, In a World… is a crap shoot. For Bell’s first attempt at writing, directing, and starring in a film, I applaud her. Some may like the film, but most likely it would be those that are not easily annoyed. The comedy is apparent, working at times and failing flat in others. In a world where great movies are rare, bad movies occasionally happen; many movies are just fair – In a World… is just that.
Betsy Cizek
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