When Spielberg is on song he is phenomenal... when he's not. Well, he's just awful.

Some of the worst un-naturalistic directing ever. One can see it in the actors' performances. The awful high school scenes just made me hide my face in my hands. It was cliche after cliche and very poorly executed.

I do not blame any of the actors... they were following the directions of the director. One only has to look at Michelle Williams wonderful acting in Fosse/Verdon to see true acting. That was a masterclass. I watch the "Who's got the Pain" scene just to remind myself what a great actor she is!

I can't believe this is the same director who gave us Schindler's List, Empire of the Sun, Saving Private Ryan and so much more.

Watch if you are too bored to live.