My quick rating - 7,4/10. Time to hit another best picture nominee. Such a great story of a childs journey to becoming a renowned director. The movie itself is a semi-biographical tale of how Steven Spielberg became the influential artist we all know him to be. I have to admit that he is easily one of the biggest influences to my love for film and I am sure many in my age group feel the same. So the chance to take a look at what shaped his incredible vision was a movie that immediately hit my radar. There is a lot to unpack here if you wanted to breakdown the whole thing but I haven't been using my reviews for that. I merely want to quickly point out what you need to know. I thought Gabriel LaBelle did a fantastic job as Sammie Fabelman, the lead and basically the character of Spielberg. There are some scenes in this one since it isn't all superheroes and sea monsters but does deal with some real life family issues and he was able to capture the emotions of them very well. Also I thought Judd Hirsch nailed his spot as the Uncle who understands the trial and tribulations of being a true "artist" and how it can divide you between what you want to do and what you have to do in life. I have to admire the stories that were told that I am sure are rooted in real life experience. Each part just was used to weave that fabric from his first experience with an actual big screen attraction to his desire to truly understand how it works and in doing so, how he can manipulate those things to entertain the audience. However, I did feel like this story dragged on for too long. It was made so damn well but told so little in what really drove him to becoming the icon he is. Yes, there are plenty of tidbits along the way but I never felt I got the whole story. I kind of chuckled at the end and said aloud "Knowing him, this is probably leading up to a sequel." Still, even with my gripes, I still think it is an outstanding flick that really shines. I just wonder if this was to tell his story or something of a bit of revenge against the bully and homewrecker from his past.
Currently available @theater-at-home pricing of $19.99 from most including Amazon
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