Projecting and Reflecting
The Fabelmans
Review by Ross Anthony

While Spielberg called this film "only" semi-autobiographical, he definitely took the time to cast very good actors that also have a remarkably striking resemblance to himself. No doubt Fabelman's is quite personal to him. As the viewer, you'll feel that intimacy, careful attention to detail, and loving direction. Each character comes to screen with rich unique stories behind them. And that's what this is all about, personal stories, one right after the other with the thru line being Steven (I mean Sammy). We watch Sammy grow and navigate many of the same obstacles we have all navigated. But, what makes Sammy special is his love of film and filming (no surprise).

Despite the 2.5 hour duration, engagement never wanes. Spielberg holds us in the palm of his hands the entire time. And then, even after the screen fades to black - we want more. I could have stayed seated for another 2.5 hours. Yes, I'm looking forward to Fabelmans Part II.

There's hardly a fault to find here, nothing bothered me, except (and I hate to mention it) because she was fantastic (and always is), but Michelle Williams accent wavered a bit below rock solid. Anyway, if that's the only thing that barely bothered me, it's probably clear that this is an excellent film.

-- Click here to see Books by Ross Anthony, Author --


  • The Fabelmans. Copyright © 2022.
  • Starring Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Universal Pictures.

Grade..........................A+ (4/4)


chili4 special olympians
power5 ra hforh radiop
Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Friday, 06-Jan-2023 10:55:33 PST