One of my top ten for 2022, the film The Fabelmans flicks the switch on time and takes you back to the fifties. Much like the film Radio Days and other of this ilk, the movie is truly entertaining and a mini biography as well. It’s producer and director Stephen Spielberg’s entry for the Oscars and it should give the other favorites a run for the golden stature. I like the film very much as should most all movie going families.
It’s 1952 New Jersey and young Sammy is about to be treated to his first movie in a theater. Being a bit anxious and apprehensive, his father tells him how the projector works and the film The Greatest Show on Earth begins. The adventure film with several action sequences provides just the thing for Sammy, a chance to make up his own stories with a train set and his dreams. It’s the beginning of a future that will be filled with wonder, trials and even tribulations.
It’s a very good story and it spools out with a lot fun, adventure and life experiences. Telling you more would only spoil the film, but I will say this it’s the kind of movie that keeps on giving to the very end. Spielberg uses his fine cast to tell the engaging script and he knocks this one out of the park.
While the whole cast is very good, however there are some scene stealers by Judd Hirsh as Uncle Boris who makes a visit to the Fabelman’s home in Arizona and turns things upside down. Also, Seth Rogan gives his best dramatic performance ever as Bennie, Burt Fabelman’s best friend that stirs the family pot. Then there’s Mateo Zoryan as the young Sammy who puts heart into the boy who would become the best in the film business.
The Fabelmans is now available on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD: It has been rated PG-13 for some strong language, thematic elements, brief violence and drug use. The adult theme that the story moves into shows that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to family and a career.
Additional Film Information
Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Keely Karsten, Julia Butters, Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord, Alina Brace, Birdie Borria, and Sophia Kopera.
Directed and written by: Stephen Spielberg
Genre: Drama (with some comedy)
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some strong language, thematic elements, and brief violence and drug use.
Running Time: 2 hours and 31 minutes
Release Date: February 14, 2023
Distributed By: Universal Pictures
Available on: Digital, Blu-ray and DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com