Strongly recommended. The Fabelmans is a movie of modest aims yet - - like family itself - - a complex and painful pleasure. There’s little indication in the Fabelman household of an emergent major artist, despite the affection of both parents. But Steven Spielberg’s (Lincoln) memoir explains how it could happen. Much of this delight emerges from the well-deserved, Oscar-nominated performance of Michelle Williams (Wendy and Lucy); however, Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine) as Dad and Gabriel LaBelle’s (The Predator) unaffected Sammy contribute mightily. All the acting is wonderful . . . Judd Hirsch (Ordinary People) as Uncle Boris and wonderful Julia Butters (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood), as Sammy’s sister. The period-perfect production design by Rick Carter (Lincoln) and Karen O'Hara (The Color of Money) is also worthy of its Academy recognition. It's interesting that the story foreshadows Spielberg’s two directing Oscars, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List. The Fabelmans may get him a third.
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