Watching Spielberg's latest film, I was intrigued by the passion of young Sam Fableman to follow his dreams. His passion for the art recognized and encouraged by his great uncle, played by the great Judd Hirsch. Unfortunately the only other standout role in the film is Michelle Williams as Mrs Fableman, in maybe the best performance of her career. But the other characters were uninspiring.

The casting was the problem.

Paul Dano as Mr Fableman was just not believable for me and Seth Rogen as Uncle Benny was so corny that it was painful to watch. The passion for filmmaking was much more interesting than the family's dysfunctional homelife. I wanted so much to like the film, loosely based on Spielberg's own life growing up. But, if I had a choice, I would've picked the next decade.