Yeah sure, this is loosely based on the life and childhood of Steven Spielberg, the man himself. But every scene is so dramatically presented, and forcefully formulaic that it makes it hard for me to care about the family he establishes. Are there moments of real drama? Perhaps, if all those scenes before and after weren't so "Hollywood" and overwrought. If you're tired of Spielberg's dramatic overreaching from his material over the last 20 years, this will not make you think he's "matured" in any way.

It breaks my heart to see the "Love Letter" of his past become victim to the melodrama and conveniently simplistic nature of his movie-making behaviors. Even today. Darnit, that's a shame. Why can't this guy pay attention to how false his movies are, once you get past nicely presented cinematography and predictable story arcs?

If you are tired of his "schtick" up to this point, this movie won't make you think differently. However, if you love Spielberg now and forever before, then watch it. This will be great.