Steven Spielberg knows how to tell a story and stage a scene. As a result, watching THE FABELMANS is an enjoyable experience. However, this loosely autobiographical tale largely lacks forward momentum. Although the teen Spielberg went somewhere, this film offers a pleasant journey that refuses to say "The End" or provide much of a conclusion. Some scenes are comically overplayed, others are excessively melodramatic, while most are better balanced.

Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.