Sometimes, you gotta admire how Spielberg can do films as innovative as Ready Player One, as poignant as Schindler's List, and as quaint as The Fabelmans. Utilizing excessive exposure throughout the movie, the photography evokes a polished sense of nostalgia with the assistance of costume design, environmental layout, and bygone equipment, thereupon establishing a convincing while charming world of the 1950s. In a moderate yet meticulous narrative, the story portrays how a boy's enthusiasm for movie-making develops and interacts with multiple aspects of his life, following a simple chronological order. Observing the child's growing memories with his parents, siblings, playmates, mentors, schoolmates, and first love, it's impossible to not find personal resonance in the heartwarming diegesis. However, upon entering the California segment of the film, there is a point when aesthetic fatigue kicks in, and events not so much connected to the previous storyline start getting displayed just for the director's interest, creating a fissure in the overall plot.

Worthy of compliments, the performance is superb, as every single figure is substantially characterized. Mitzi by Michelle Williams, an optimistic, artistic, affectionate, and ideal mother; adventurer is her essence but she's willing to submit herself entirely to family, which to some extent justifies the borderline infidelity. Burt by Paul Dano, a precise, knowledgeable, forbearing, while respectable father; the financial and emotional patron of their family, as well as a rare leader whose decisions are almost always realistically right. Even the smallest of supporting characters earn their independent highlight moments: wise uncle Boris, observant Reggie, genial uncle Bennie, insecure Logan, devoted Monica, and laconic Mr. Ford (played by who-would've-though David Lynch). All are memorable and symbolic characters for both Sammy's life and the movie itself.

Altogether, an unusually well-made autobiography, a novel perspective of one of the greatest directors, and an experience worthy of both your laughter and tears.