12/16 - The Fabelmans (2022) - 6/10

Well made but just as schmaltzy as the trailer made it appear. I knew it would be in contention for awards, but I was uninterested in the film on its face and was not dissuaded from that sentiment throughout. Perhaps it is very moving to Spielberg or maybe it plucks on the heart strings of filmmaking lovers, but I found it maudlin and measured.

A perfectly fine and astutely crafted feature, even with some significant scenes of quality direction, but nothing astounding or capturing me. Not much in the story, the tale of a director-to-be’s dissolving family, stood out and I can’t say that I was gripped by the performances. Michelle Williams’ idiosyncratic performance is absorbingly capricious and captivates the film but that only provides some chaotic whimsy to bounce off of.

Some films appear to resonate with others in a completely different way. So many online seem to adore this film and find it to be a triumph not only of technique but also a sympathetic symphony. I just didn’t connect with it. It’s a solidly constructed ho-hum, doubly so from the clout of Spielberg. His love is there but I just didn’t care.