REVIEW: THE FABELMANS

4/5

Life Finds A Way. 

151 Mins. Starring: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle, Seth Rogen, David Lynch & Judd Hirsch. Director: Steven Spielberg. 

The magic of movies is extraordinary. Even when you're rushing from the overtime of real life after your Dolly like 9 to 5 to make the late showing. Asking your date what you're seeing again, even though you know the name. Getting your popcorn and condiments in comfortable order as you rush, because you think you've missed the start, but in reality it's "just" the trailers. Hushed tones and dim screens. Then the lights get low and it's here. The movie moment you've been waiting for. And it's worthy of your own award. That childlike wonder never leaves us. Even if our first time left us more afraid than in awe of the giants of the screen. The booming sound. The dark theatre of the mind. It's like taking your first leap in love and life. You're always scared to make that jump. But when you do...man!

'Jaws', 'Jurassic Park'. 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind' and 'E.T.'. 'Saving Private Ryan'. 'The Color Purple'. And lately, a 'Bridge Of Spies' and 'Ready Player One'. Just a snapshot of why Steven Spielberg remains not only one of the greatest, if not the best directors living and working today, but the G.O.A.T. when it comes to all-time Hollywood movie making. His name as famous as the bright lights of Times Square, Madison Square Garden, or the Hollywood sign itself. Flying in the golden era 90s like Michael Jordan with all he did and all that came before with him. The Tom Hanks (they made more than a few together too) of the director's chair. The Springsteen of the silver-screen. And like that boss, he's not quitting. Put him on Mount Rushmore. Whether a cinematic or all-American one for his Stars and Stripes.

Following his 'West Side Story' remake however, New Hollywood's own gives us his most personal project yet in 'The Fablemans'. A semi-autobiographical movie that mirrors his 'Boyhood' and a Scorsese 'Hugo' hug of love for the craft of cinema. Coming of age and dedicated to his parents, Leah and Arnold, Spielberg's movies have always revealed more about his life and times, innermost thoughts and feelings. From 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial' to a 'War Of The Worlds', even his science-fictions have revealed the dark side of family drama underneath all those special-effects as a matter of fact. And loosely based on Steven's life, this is as close to the bone as it gets. In his latest chapter of cinematic poetry that is rhyme and reason to why 'The Fablemans' is atop next weekend's Oscar race with Netflix's 'All Quiet On The Western Front' remake (just as good as his 'Saving Private') and the juggernaut that is Daniels' and Michelle Yeoh's 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' (also released this week in Japan) with an old friend of his and Indiana Jones. 

Scoring critical acclaim, reuniting with the legendary composer John Williams with another string stirring soundtrack, this project has been in the making for more than two decades. And now the man who gave us many of the greatest shows on earth pays tribute to the railroad train tracks of the actual one that inspired him to play with more than a train set. All as a young director who came up with ingenious, before their time directorial techniques to get the shots that he wanted. Without Spielberg we wouldn't quite have the modern day blockbuster as big as we do. Or the deep and dark drama, mainstream accessible in acclaimed movies. A pioneer and a purist. This is a celebration of cinema. Not his success, as this passion project's labour of love doesn't even have a note of narcissism in today's self-obsessed world. 

Skilled with a 'Super 8' at finding young stars, Gabriel LaBelle ('The Predator') is exactly that. Bringing young accomplished angst and genial genius to his gregarious and accented performance. Expect this camera boy to be in front of many screens and scenes soon. Spielberg also brings out the big guns for powerful parental performances. Figures like the indie Hollywood likes of Michelle Williams and Paul Dano. Williams keeps bettering all her best performances in a formidable filmography as a loving and longing mother who won't be lonely when it comes to her Oscar nomination. Whilst after his definitive directorial debut in 2018's 'Wildlife' and riddling us that in last years 'The Batman', Paul Dano is back to playing it straight as a kindly father hiding much more beneath that show up for work demeanour that doesn't even take off the tie at the table. 

Seth Rogen's best friend character who is more than an uncle shows us more about this family that saves on the silverware for piano playing and eats off paper plates and sheets. Whilst David Lynch makes a legendary cameo as another iconic director with the best advice. But it's Judd Hirsch's brief but beautiful visit and speech about family and art that has garnered him the chance to make an Oscar one. Ahhh this love letter to family will tear you in two. Tearing you up on more than one family occasion. This graduating film with honours is not one to ditch today. Especially with a sensational scene by the lockers, behind the prom scenes that shows you exactly how young hearts and bullied adolescent life is so complicated and complex in all its nuance. All without a smidgen of Hollywood corsage dress-up. Now how's that for a hallmark homecoming for the popcorn King? Everything happened in Steven Spielberg's life for a reason. Everywhere, all at once. This is no fable, man. Now tell me, what was your favourite part? TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Boyhood', 'Hugo', 'E.T.'