The Fabelmans

In Hollywood there are biopics, but, at times, there are semi-autobiographical films made as well. There are several out there, but one that comes to mind is Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues" looseley based on Simon's time in boot camp in Biloxi, Mississippi. Well, in the same vein, we are offered "The Fabelmans", a loosely based film about Spielberg's youth and teenage years grappling with the idea of pondering making films. 

Loosely based on Spielberg's childhood growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, from age seven to eighteen, a young man named Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) inadvertently discovers a shattering family secret, and explores how the power of movies help us see the truth about each other and ourselves. Sammy quickly falls in love with movies after parents Mitzi and Burt Fabelman (Michelle Williams and Paul Dano) respectively, take him to see "The Greatest Show on Earth". Armed with a camera, Sammy starts to make his films at home, much to the delight of his supportive mom. Sammy gets much other support from the family friend, Bennie Loewy (Seth Rogen) and uncle Boris (Judd Hirsch). 

Others to round out the cast are Jeannie Berlin as Hadassah Fabelman, Julia Butters as Reggie Fabelman, Robin Bartlett as Tina Schildkraut, Keeley Karsten as Natalie Fabelman, Oakes Fegley as Chad Thomas, Sam Rechner as Logan Hall, Sophia Kopera as Lisa Fabelman and Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord as younger Sammy Fabelman. 

This was directed effortlessly by the incomparable Steven Spielberg ("Duel" (TV movie) '71, "Jaws" '75, "1941" '79, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" '81, "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial" '82, "The Color Purple" '85, "Hook" '91, "Jurassic Park" '93, "Schindler's List" '93, "Amistad" '97, "Minority Report" '02, "Catch Me If You Can" '02, "Munich" '05, "War Horse" '11, "Lincoln" '12, "The BFG" '16, "Ready Player One" '18, "West Side Story" '21) plus many others, TV and shorts. Spielberg is, yet again, one of those directors that if you see his name on it, it will undoubtedly be quality artistry at its finest, and this is definitely what you get with this story. Being a very personal film, the quality does show in spades, however Spielberg always gives his audience more than they bargained for. He, as with this and all his films simply make the characters come alive. It was penned well  also by Spielberg ("Firelight" 64, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" '77, "Poltergeist" '82, "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" '01) plus TV and video games, and Tony Kushner ("Angels in Ameica: The Opera" (TV movie) '04, "Munich" '05, "Lincoln" '12, "Fifty Years on Stage" (TV movie) (segment, "Angels in America") '13, "Angels in America" (TV movie) '21, "West Side Story" '21) plus others, TV, a video and a short. It certainly is no surprise that this script was as tight and concise as it was considering that, not only have these two writers worked together many times, but that this is, like said prior, a very personal film for Spielberg which can allow for much ease when it comes to penning the story. And really, other than a very small place of a continuity issue within the story, this was spot on. I believe there is already Oscar buzz for not only Michelle Williams and Judd Hirsch, but Spielberg as well in the directing category. I also have to give high praise for Gabriel LaBelle as the teenage Sammy Fabelman. I've never heard of him, but he will assuredly receive more work since his performance was riveting.

If you are a Spielberg fan, you will undoubtedly love this film since it's basically based on his life, but even if you're not, this is a well crafted film just to sit back and enjoy the pure artistry of the production. Spielberg never seizes to amaze me with such talent. He can do it all: direct, write or produce. Is there anything this guy can't do? 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                            Rated: PG-13                                        150mins.