Wasn't sure what to except from this film after "West Side Story", but was very pleasantly surprised with this film. Right from the start with the one screen introduction by Steven Spielberg himself, and him thanking the audience for viewing the film in a cinema (although he assumed that it was night time but hey just a small detail).

The cast were great' even Seth Rogen was tolerable as he played himself yet again, but just reigned in was interesting to watch, although both Michelle Williams and Paul Dano were the most compelling to watch as the family drama unfolded.

The themes of art, family, genius and following your dreams were expertly woven together.

The main character's introduction to film was great, just loved the shot of the huge audience filled cinema, to which the irony of what the cinema experience is these days was brought into stark contrast as I sat in a tiny theatre which was barely bigger than most home cinemas.

Super-8 days were the best, and it was fun watching the teenage Sam as he learned to take his first film making steps, although how he managed to cover the beach party run with just one 16mm camera and do Slow-Mo shots, well, artistic license I guess.

The end was perfect with just that light whimsical touch I love from a director whose films I've appreciated for nearly fifty years.