In a world where every movie is an action-adventure full of explosions and CGI, or a raunchy comedy that rips off “The Hangover,” or a rom-com with no romance and no comedy, it’s a pleasure to see a funny original story that offers a view of a corner of show business heretofore unexplored.
That movie is “In A World…,” written and directed by Lake Bell, who stars as a woman trying to break into the male-only business of movie trailer voiceovers, an industry that for a long time was dominated by the late Don LaFontaine. He’s the guy who not only created the phrase “in a world” for trailers, but whose deep voice thundered through thousands of them, setting a standard that few have ever matched.
Not only is the writing clever and quick (I laughed out loud at the screening), but Bell has assembled a terrific cast, including real-life voice guy Fred Melamed as her father and rival as she tries to burst through this show business glass ceiling. Melamed, by the way, may steal the title of hairiest-man-ever-filmed previously held by Robin Williams. There are a few shots of him with his shirt off — including one in bed with the young woman who plays his new girlfriend that had me wondering what the actress thought the first time she had to run her fingers through his sweater-like natural fur.
The cast of “In A World” includes Rob Corddry, Demetri Martin, Tig Notaro, Nick Offerman, Geena Davis, and a very funny cameo by Eva Longoria. Bell gives them all moments to shine while she gets her professional and personal lives intertwined and lampoons the industry she obviously loves. I won’t give any more away, but I’ll strongly recommend you see it.
I give “In A World” a 9 out of 10.
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