In a World... Review

The film industry is a very male dominated profession, that's a fact. Directors, producers, writers, and the highest paid actors are primarily men. It wasn't until 2009 that a woman won best director. Really there are only a few women who really stand out in the industry, which is a shame really. But of all the lines of work in the film industry that is almost completely dominated by men is voice-over work. Besides infomercials and feminine products, I really can't think of any other female voice-over work. Fortunately we have Lake Bell to challenge the industry with her directorial debut. "In a World" is written, directed, and stars actress Lake Bell, and is about a struggling 30 something voice coach named Carol who has always been in the shadow of her father who is one of the most well known voice-over workers in the business. She herself has always wanted to do voice-over work, but the industry as well as her father have expressed that there isn't any need for women in the industry. While at the recording studio to help out an actress with an English accent, she is asked to do the voice for a movie trailer after the original worker didn't show up. Turns out that the movie executives loved her and decides to use her recording. Not long after she gets a few more gigs for trailers and commercials. One day she hears that there's a new film in the works based off a huge book series, and the executive producer is looking at her for the trailer voice. If she can land this role it would be by far the biggest move of her career, but to get it she has to beat the best in the business. When I first saw the trailer I was very skeptical, I wasn't overly interested. But once the reviews started coming in, I decided to give it a chance. And I'll go ahead and admit it, I was wrong; this movie is great. Lake Bell's directorial debut is one of the best in recent memory. I've always loved these quirky comedies; it's very reminiscent of a movie that came out earlier this year "The Way, Way Back." Lake Bell does a fantastic job in every aspect of this movie; her directing, writing, and acting are great. While every actor does a good job, she really stands out and gives one of the best performances from a leading actress I've seen this year. One thing that is always nice to see in a comedy is actual comedy, fortunately In a World is one of the funniest movies of the year; it had me laughing throughout the entire run time. But above all else the thing I most like the most is that Lake Bell really gives a voice to women. It's very respectful and is one of the few movies that really endorse girl power that isn't annoying at the same time. My biggest problem with the movie is that the movie ends kind of suddenly and feels a scene or two short of being truly fulfilling. In A World has been one of my favorite movies of the year, plain and simple. It's funny and heartfelt and an all around good time. It's only playing in limited release so if it's available in your area I highly recommend it, and I promise you won't be disappointed. 

4/5 Stars