There can be little doubt by now that Steven Spielberg stands as one of the all-time greatest directors. His technical ability, deft touch and artistic vision has delivered a remarkable range of classic films.

There's a real attraction to witnessing his paen to the world of cinema and seeing the influences that turned him into the director that he is today. It's also true that many of his films have dealt with "coming of age" themes before and he's sensitive to their nuances.

It's no surprise then that "The Fabelmans" is entertaining and joyous. It captures Spielberg's upbringing in all of its anarchic glory. At the same time some events cast shade over the happiness just as in real life.

However this doesn't exactly make for a compelling, dramatic story and really it could all have been wrapped up in a TV movie. But Spielberg does have a magic touch and this is enough to elevate the drama to a level that makes for worthwhile viewing,