A very good film, though I have to admit I was expecting something a bit more, uh, magical?! And it is, sometimes, especially when it concentrates on Sammy Fabelmans' introduction and eventual obsession with film. When it focuses on the more personal issues, primarily his mother, it weakens a bit. I don't understand the early on debate about whether Michelle Williams belonged in the leading or supporting Oscar categories. While this is a film based upon Steven Spielberg's growing up, it the mother who the film seems to be centered around. Williams, displaying her versatility in a performance a bit unusual for her, is excellent and the best in the film. Everyone else is fine too, though. Paul Dano as Spielberg's dad gives his usual solid performance and Gabriel LaBelle does well as the young director. So too does Mateo Zoryan as the even younger Spielberg. Seth Rogan, Jeannie Berlin and Judd Hirsch are also assets, though that Hirsch Oscar nomination is a bit odd, but he is very good in a very tiny role. This is a beautifully shot film directed by one of the masters of modern filmmaking and this one is very personal. However, as good as it is, it's not up there among his best.