This is an interesting film that could have been even better. In imitating a chunk of Cinema Paradiso (a superior film to this one), the emphasis is on the family and its problems. It seemed to take precedence over the real audience interest; how did Spielberg become a great director in Hollywood? The film does not reveal that. It does a great job of how Spielberg BEGAN his interest in film, but the overly-long sequence of his family difficulties overwhelm the development of Spielberg's movie making career.

There are dozens of films that deal with sensitive divorce issues and how the family is devastated by the events of divorce. However, film goers are not going to this movie to see scenes from a family tragedy; they are going to this movie because they love film, and want to see how Spielberg developed his love for film after becoming a new director in Hollywood, not his love of home movies, which, although important in his development, was merely a beginning of his journey, and not the essence of his talent. Maybe there will be a sequel to show how Spielberg rose in Hollywood.

A very good film with great performances, by Hirsch and Dano, in particular.