“IN A WORLD” ****
Based on the industry of the Voice Over, people with voice skills who narrates movie trailers and commercials, Lake Bell’s directorial debut is a refreshing surprise, that should be listed as one of the best comedies of the year, if not The Best. The film was a hit at the last Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Prize for Screenwriting, and follows the story of Carol, a young woman trying to make ends meet as she turns 30 and is suddenly kicked out by her father, who is bringing in his fiancé. She is struggling with the competitive field she chose to work, embracing whatever gig she finds.
One of those is actually a big movie trailer, that everyone wants to grab, including her father and the famous guy whom she spent the night with. The greatest attribute of the film, is the way Bell coordinates the project, with simplicity and an enthusiastic sense of humor. The audience becomes enthralled by her character and her adventurous journey in search of success, with sarcastic and witty dialogs, intriguing narrative and the eccentric figures around her: her sister, and the marriage crisis, her greedy father and his cynical fiancé, the famous guy who’s chasing both her love and career opportunities, and those who work with her at the studio where she records the voice for the projects. Everything is done with incredible free spirited mind, offering an amazing and interesting tale about social and economic issues, but also as a comedy that resembles the characteristics of the Generation and its hunt for accomplishment. (Now playing at Film Society of Lincoln Center, NYC).
NEW ON DVD
French thriller “THREE WORLDS” is a highly recommended drama that explores human concepts through the linked lives of three different people involved in a hit and run car accident. Director Catherine Corsini discusses human values, compassion, immigration and social injustice through the perspectives of the three players: a successful young man in crisis of conscience, a woman battling herself with a dilemma of what’s right or wrong, and an illegal immigrant widowed by the fatality. Great performances and suspenseful, it’s a must see. Visit www.filmmovement.com
MORE KIDS STUFF
What makes “THE SPECTACULAR NOW” different from the other coming-of-age movies, is the freshness, authenticity and sensibility demonstrated by the collaboration between director James Ponsoldt and screenwriter Michael Weber. The film’s got that old good feeling of the 80’s High School comedies: it’s a fun wild ride and a spectacular teen romance. Run for it.
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