GENRE:
Drama
RATING:
PG-13 for some language and brief violence
RUNTIME:
2 hours and 31 minutes
PLATFORM:
Movie Theatre
STARRING:
Michelle Williams (Greatest Showman,
Dawson’s Creek)
Paul Dano (The Batman, There Will
Be Blood); Gabriel LaBelle (newcomer)
DIRECTOR:
Steven Spielberg (newcomer – just kidding, Jaws,
E.T., etc.)
WRITERS:
Spielberg (Close Encounters of the Third
Kind, Poltergeist)
Tony
Kushner (Angels in America, Munich,
Lincoln, West Side Story)
PLOT:
Sammy Fabelman wants to be a filmmaker but is sidetracked by a big family
secret.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I love Spielberg films.
STORY STUFF: This story grabbed me. I smile from ear to ear seeing a young ‘Spielberg’ fall in love with film and use his creativity and imagination to make his dreams come alive. I knew this film was ‘loosely based’ on Spielberg’s childhood but after doing a bit of research, it’s pretty accurate. Spielberg didn’t want to call it autobiographical as it could be seen as narcissistic. I was enthralled watching Sammy develop his passion for film and maneuver around his big family secret. It does go on a bit too long though. Once he gets to senior year of high school, I was surprised it was still going on. During this time, he is bullied for being Jewish. I don’t recall seeing this treatment in film before outside of WWII movies. It shocked me, which I’m guessing was the point. All in all, it’s a stirring family drama for those who love the arts.
ACTING STUFF: Both LaBelle and Mateo Zoryan play Sammy so well; I believed I was watching a young Spielberg on screen. There is a passion and innocence and maturity that they convey so beautifully. I love Paul Dano as the father, he plays it so naturally. Seth Rogen also does a great job as Uncle Bennie. Unfortunately, I find Michelle Williams miscast once again. I just don’t like what she brings to the role. I think my Dawson’s Creek watching has ruined her (although I did like her Manchester by the Sea). Her face seems fake and I just don’t buy her free spirit personality. I do find it funny that she fell for Dawson who was a huge Spielberg fan and now she’s playing Spielberg’s mom.
ARTISTIC STUFF: The stand out for me is the recreations of Spielberg’s 8mm films he made as a child. They are so inventive and pure. Apparently, they are close to the originals with the exception of better camera equipment now. It’s the ultimate do-over. It’s also fun seeing little connections to future Spielberg films like E.T. and Last Crusade.
VERDICT:
Four and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF:
You love filmmaking and/or Spielberg
UPCOMING REVIEW: Don’t Worry Darling
No comments:
Post a Comment