For what it could have been, this is very disappointing turn by Mr. Spielberg. It's as close to mush as old oatmeal, full of hackneyed story tropes and an embarrassing, weak, ending. Really. An honest memoir would have been appreciated but not this romance with himself.

On the plus side, there's a great turn by Judd Hirsch and Michele Williams is good (but not best actress good, when there were so many deeper performances last year).

Still, Mr. Spielberg seems to be content to rest on his laurels and call in his chits. He swings a lot of weight in Hollywood, so a best director nod or even a best picture is not beyond the realms of possibility. The Academy frequently makes lame choices, especially when it looks in the mirror and admires itself.