In a World...

"In A World" is a drama genre movie dealing with the life of voice-over artists. Frankly, this movie will shock you with the details shown. I was always aware of voice-over music or speech, yet this movie explores that industry, its artists & their struggle, aspirations, process etc.

Cast wise, Lake Bell is the soul of this movie in every perspective. Being the director, writer and co-producer along-with being the lead actor of this movie, she has done a commendable job. I saw Lake Bell only in "Boston Legal" where she was completely over shadowed by others, but in this movie, she leads the way in every possible manner. Other supporting cast, especially Fred Melamed have done very well in his role.

The unique storyline, performances, short & apt running time are the positives of this movie. When you watch a movie with very low expectation and are surprised and amused by the movie, negatives aren't remembered or noted even if they exists. This movie was such an experience for me. Watch this movie and you will be completing it feeling enlightened and amused.

Overall Rating: 07/10

You have to see In a World — if for no other reason, it's the perfect story to explain to someone the glass ceiling faced by most women. In a World is genius. It's brilliant, amazingly well written, and filled with all kinds of nuances that speak to our lives and what is right and wrong with them. Family issues. Sibling connections. Loving someone out of your league. Commitment and its challenges. Self confidence. Need I go on? Rarely will you go to a movie that offers so many mirrors of yourself to look into. Thank you, Lake Bell.

So, who is Lake Bell and where did she come from? This movie is in the Juno category, and even if it's a one-shot wonder, I want to know this person who is behind it.

It took me a good ten minutes to figure out where I'd seen Lake Bell before. Then it hit me. She's the dragon tattoo lady married to Meryl's ex in It's Complicated. I was stunned. It's so rare to see someone on the screen who can be more than one persona. When I realized she'd written it, directed it, and starred in it, I was blown away. Blown away, I tell you. I have very little desire to meet Hollywood players, but I would have lunch with Lake. Dinner. Breakfast. Tell me where and when, and I'll be there. I want to pick her brain. What made her think of it? What was her father like? Has she done voice-overs? Oh my, maybe we should spend a weekend at Canyon Ranch? One meal isn't enough time.

The cast is obscure and perfect. The sisters look like sisters. Rob Corddry, who plays Lake's sister's husband, will tear your heart out. He makes the case over and over again for marrying the nice guy, not the guy who sends your heart into cardiac arrest. Ken Marino, who plays Gustav and has the difficult task of walking close to the line of ridiculous, nails it. There is one weak link, however. Fred Melamed, who plays Lake's father, is off. I'm not sure exactly why, or whether he was playing it the way she directed, but he's not quite believable.

Here is what I love, love, love about In a World: It proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you can make great movies without a star attraction. It proves that there can be many Hollywood writers. It proves that we can rework this industry, and women can have a voice and a place in film. It shows the sheer depth of resources that exist for making films that are unique, compelling, and funny.

In a World . . . was written, produced, and directed by Lake Bell. Can you guess who stars in the movie?

This modest comedy takes place in the mini-world of people who do voice overs. Apparently this world exists. And, like all such worlds, it has stars, former stars, people who want to be stars and will make it, and people who want to be stars and won't make it.

This world also has alliances, feuds, betrayals, burning hates and burning loves. It's the same as any other profession, except that it's invisible to the rest of us. (When was the last time you knew the name of someone doing a voice-over?)

Bell is a good director and a good actor. (And, yes, her voice is fabulous.) She keeps her excellent ensemble cast moving along. The story line starts with boy meets girl, so you know how it will end, but there are enough unexpected twists and turns to hold your interest. It will work well on the small screen. My advice--seek it out and see it. Just don't expect a movie that's so powerful that it will change your life forever.

A curious thing struck me about this movie, something you rarely see on screen: The living quarters seemed very realistic. Most of the characters worked on the fringes of the entertainment industry and were barely getting by. None of them had the standard issue, blatantly unaffordable, starving artist loft apartment as seen in so many movies. Instead, they had run-of-the-mill places in a so-so part of town. I was impressed they got this detail right. When we first saw Louis' place, I started to call BS because the outside appearance was intriguing, but I breathed a sigh of relief to find it was actually a cracker box on the inside.

In case you can't tell, I found this movie to be very enjoyable. The Dad was a juicy, borderline insufferable character. As obnoxious as he could be, he was fun to watch.

The movie had a few interesting subplots and themes woven around the main story. Not an out and out comedy, it still had some very funny moments, including some inside jabs at Hollywood. I especially enjoyed Geena Davis' brief role as a movie executive, and the confusing and somewhat contradictory bit of advice she offered.

And oh yeah, it's got Nick Offerman in a minor role. So far he's batting a thousand in my book, so check it out.

Don LaFontaine narrated many trailers of noted movies, often opening with "in a world". So, Lake Bell has directed the movie "In a World...", focusing on voice-over artists. These people usually get the short shrift in the entertainment world but have contributed a lot. Bell's character is the daughter of a voice-over artist and is hoping to break into the business.

I really liked "In a World...". In addition to the quirky plot and smooth character development, I hope that it draws more attention to the world of voice-over artists. I also am eager to see Lake Bell's next movie, if she makes one. Really worth seeing.