"In a World…"
U.S. Dramatic
**** (four stars)
And the award for Sundance's most talented multi-hyphenate goes to Lake Bel, the writer, director and star of the rippingly funny and slyly smart comedy "In A World…". Bell plays Carol Solomon, a Hollywood vocal coach who dreams of being the first great female movie-trailer voice-over performer. Her father (Fred Melamed), the current dean of voice-over artists, constantly belittles Carol's dream, even when she gets a chance at voicing the trailer for a major blockbuster. Carol's chaotic life also includes her uptight sister Dani (Michaela Watkins), Dani's nice-guy husband Moe (Rob Corddry), and a sound-studio operator, Lewis (Demetri Martin), with a crush on Carol. Bell's script is brimming with comic wit, romantic sweetness and a cleverly delivered empowerment message. The cast (which also includes Ken Marino, Alexandra Holden and comic Tig Notaro) adds an extra layer of semi-improvised laughs. But Bell proves she's not just a star, but something the movies can't get enough of: A distinctive voice.
- Sean P. Means
"In a World…" screens again: Monday, 9:30 p.m., Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Salt Lake City; Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., The MARC Theatre, Park City. Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Eccles Theatre, Park City; Saturday, 9 a.m., Egyptian Theatre, Park City.