FULL DISCLOSURE: I always enjoy films about movies. My favorite one? Singin’ in the Rain, of course. However, The Fabelmans ends up in my top five, along with The Artist, Hugo and Hail Caesar!

But back to The Fabelmans. I like the way you used material from your own life and showed us how you became interested in making films at a young age. After watching this compelling family drama, I was motivated to write the poem review below.  

A young boy wants to make movies.

He dreams and schemes and makes his pleas.

His mother tries hard to help him.

But father thinks of it as whim.

He prefers practicality

Not something done as artistry.

So who will win this argument?

Spielberg directs -- and that’s a hint

THE FABELMANS appealed to me,

a movie addict, you can see.

Michelle Williams has hardest role

as the mom with a sad soul.

Paul Dano as the dad is fine.

He’s long a favorite of mine.

Each of the boys who play main part

help movie go straight to my heart.

Exciting scenes of youngster’s shots!

Who worries about major plots?

Prejudice aimed at Jews exposed

That’s important as it's disclosed.

Some more awards I see ahead

for Spielberg’s work. Mind what I said.

Because of award-winning playwright Tony Kushner’s sensitivity, I think you were wise to pick him for your co-writer and to choose a fascinating cast. Besides Williams and Dano, Seth Rogen and Judd Hirsch excel as “Uncle Bennie” and “Uncle Boris” respectively. Both are so into these characters that they become almost unrecognizable. Also, the children seem real to me – none of them prettied up for the camera. Plus, kudos to Gabriel LaBelle and Mateo Zoryan as Sammy Fabelman at different ages.

I love the secret in this story. It surprises viewers and gives your film a whole new twist we don’t expect. Good for you to include this change of pace that piques adult viewers. Here’s hoping viewers are not expecting lots of laughter here. Like War Horse, it’s a serious drama.      

And finally, the last scene  of The Fabelmans is perfect. It’s another surprise for us – one that makes every movie addict like me very happy.

Admiringly,

Betty Jo Tucker

This is the biggest electric train set any boy ever had. --- Orson Welles

 (Released by Universal and rated P-13)