POSITIVES
This is as close as we’re going to get to a biopic about Director Stephen Spielberg’s life that’s directed by Stephen Spielberg.
Biopics that do not feel like they are just a two hours plus montage of a person’s life is a huge positive in my book. Spielberg knows how to space out the narrative so it actually feels like we’re seeing the character’s life journey, as opposed to just a routine bullet points of important life events to cover.
As a family drama and coming-of-age story, there are some choice set pieces and scenes that are quite noteworthy, and that’s without even mentioning the scenes when Sam Fabelman is filming. A lot of people will definitely talk about the final concluding scene, but prior to that there are other moments that truly stand out. The camping scene, the Uncle scene, the locker hallway scene with the Jock, Jesus scene, and just about most of the scenes between Sammy and his Mom, plus many more.
Gotta give lots of kudos to the cast, with Gabriel LaBelle in the lead as Sammy Fabelman and a strong performance by Michelle Williams as his Mother. Great actors here which includes Paul Dano, Julia Butters, Seth Rogen, Chloe East, Sam Rechner, Jeannie Berlin, Judd Hirsch, David Lynch, plus many more.
All those Fabelman movies that foreshadow Spielberg’s successful catalog of films are very entertaining to see here. Not to mention the fact that those mini-films shown in this movie are recreations to what Spielberg made himself at that age.
NEGATIVES
I understand that a lot of events and situations that happen in this movie are derived from real life, but it still doesn’t change the fact that they can still feel a little derivative at times anyway.
If you’re going into this not expecting it to be a full blown family drama and coming-of-age story, then this is not the movie for you. Some people might find the slice of life plot progression and narrative to feel a little aimless or uninteresting.
Long movie to watch? Maybe. There’s definitely a little bit of indulgence in stretching out this film with certain scenes.
Ultimately there will be some scenes or plot points that you expect to see in the movie, but disappointingly won’t.
Felt like the monkey plot line just came and went, which makes me ask why that wasn’t just edited out of the movie.
lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
