Two and a half hours went by, and I would have watched another two.

There is, some local experts notwithstanding, no fat at all. Every scene is meaningful and, of course, wonderfully done.

Sure it's sappy. What did you expect? This guy's genius, at least a big part of it, is turning sap into gold. And this film is lots of carats. You could say this is not a film for our times. It contains zero cynicism, and requires being able to sink into a story. There is nothing wrong with cliches. Growing up is one them.

Now, the kid. Oh boy, young Spielberg. Everything rested on this young thespian's shoulders. And he Babe Ruth'd it. A preemptive Oscar to you, sir.

Thank you, Steven, for another dose of warm hearted splendor.