HCA Gradebook: “The Fabelmans”

Movie: The Fabelmans
Plot: Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.
Cast: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Gabriel LaBelle
Director: Steven Spielberg
Release Date: November 23, 2022
Studio: Universal Pictures
Number of Graders: 39
HCA Overall Grade: B+

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “The Fabelmans has a heart as big as Steven Spielberg’s most beloved blockbusters, making you fall in love with the movies all over again. Michelle Williams is the masterful cast’s MVP, and a true wonder who suffuses the story with soul – a story that is specific and universal, simultaneously. Spielberg’s specialty. The first half is a ton of fun, taking you back to the moment you first felt the magic of film, but the second half SOARS, digging deeper into Spielberg’s resonant reflection on his childhood memories and how they made him the man – and movie legend – he is today.”

Grade: A+

Demetri Panos says, “The Fabelmans is my Best Picture of the year! Steven Spielberg’s most personal, emotional, and perhaps even accomplished film. A fictional tale or a fable, Spielberg along with co-writer, Tony Kushner, wrote a screenplay that is an unflinching, heartfelt memoir. A memoir done in the only format Steven Spielberg would do and does best – a Beautiful Movie.”

Grade: A+

Rama Tampubolon says, “Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans was part a love letter to cinema and part a sweeping coming-of-age family dramedy that’s both amusing and emotionally powerful. I loved every minute of it. Michelle Williams once again proved why she’s one of the all-time greatest actresses.”

Grade: A+

Miriam Spritzer says, “A film that is full of heart. As a cinephile, it is a treat to see Spielberg’s love and film skills developing at such an early age. Right when we see him at the movie theatre for the first time it brought tears to my eyes. And it is so well put together along with the support from the mother that got how his mind worked. Then making the relationship with the father and the sisters work in ways that felt so true and close to home. Dealing with the love-hate relationship with his mom’s second husband. How he faced bullying when growing up, and so many other examples of character development that was beautifully written and shot.”

Grade: A+

David Gonzalez says, “Steven Spielberg crafts a vulnerable and moving self-reflective study in The Fabelmans. An earnest timepiece of family dynamics, marriage and the ultimate power of cinema and art.”

Grade: A+

James White says, “The Fabelmans might not quite tear your heart out, but it will certainly engage it. And it’s infused with a real love of the cinema in a way that another upcoming release – Sam Mendes’ Empire Of Light – never quite reaches. Steven Spielberg has (mostly) laid his life bare in a way that many in Hollywood wouldn’t dare, and though the result doesn’t boast giant dinosaurs or alien spaceships landing (well, except on a slightly cheaper scale), it’s definitely one of his best.”

Grade: A

Rasha Goel says, “The Fabelmans is a story loosely based on Steven Spielberg’s adolescence and beginning years as a director. The film is beautifully captured through visuals and artistic direction. The complexity of the characters is easily understood through simple dialogue and expressions. Spielberg has a way of touching our hearts, at the same time making it entertaining. Fans of the director will be left wondering which bits of the film are directly from his life and which have been sprinkled with some Hollywood glam.”

Grade: A

Cole Jaeger says, “Spielberg puts other “movies about the magic of movies” to shame here, with truly profound insights about the power of moviemaking and how it can influence our lives right back. It’s a soulful exploration of the mysterious compulsions of artists. Michelle Williams brings layers to her wonderful performance as Sammy’s restless, manic, deeply caring mother.”

Grade: A

Matthew Creith says, “The Fabelmans is a cross-section of the two religions that govern Spielberg’s life: Judaism and Filmmaking. It tells a story of a fictional family heavily modeled on Spielberg’s own, depicting a universe that is fully responsible for creating one of the true geniuses in modern movies. It provides a window into the soul of a kid who dreamed of meeting his heroes, only to find that his trajectory was always towards film, no matter how many roadblocks were in his path.”

Grade: A

Nikki Fowler says, “The Fabelmans was cinematically beautiful, with nothing less than perfection in Steven Spielberg’s signature direction and Janusz Kaminski’s colorful and rich cinematography. The film, as expected, did an outstanding job of loosely capturing a young Spielberg’s creative filmmaking journey with his ingenuity in direction and editing on full display, which was truly inspiring to see on screen, as well as the elements and family secrets that helped shape who he is. While at times the film focused much on the life of Sammy’s mother and what can be viewed as her shortcomings, the film did an overall great job at showing the full dynamic of family and how those we love the most contribute to shaping who we are and the journeys that we choose. Anyone can easily be inspired by the film’s semi-autobiographical account of the director’s childhood tenacity, which led him to become one of the most revered creatives in cinema. Gabrielle LaBelle captured an ingenious light as Sammy. Paul Dano, Michelle Williams, and Seth Rogan cascade on screen with perfect chemistry, withholding secrets yet giving a convincing portrayal of a 1950s nuclear family and friendship.”

Grade: A

Ryan McQuade says, “The Fabelmans is a sentimental tapestry destined to charm any lover of cinema and fan of the man who influenced generations to fall in love with movies much like we saw Sammy at the beginning of the film. In working with all of his long-time collaborators (Tony) Kushner, cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, editor Michael Kahn and Sarah Broshar, and the iconic composer John Williams, Spielberg brings his life and life’s work together for a special slice of pure cinema.”

Grade: A-

Maggie Ma says, “There are not too many dramas compared to other biographical films but in general it’s good to see Steven Spielberg’s childhood and find out how he became the Spielberg we know. There are complications with his parents and school but we also see how much he loves films. It’s also a textbook about storytelling through film. The cast is wonderful. Gabriel LaBelle who plays the younger Steven Spielberg in The Fabelmans is a breakout star, successfully carrying the last half of the film. Not only does he look like Spielberg, but he also embraces the shy, awkward, and funny Jewish boy very well. Michelle Williams is at her best too.”

Grade: A-

Patrick Stoner says, “There is a lot of heart that clearly went into making this film, not to mention the obvious technical talent of Spielberg. Oddly, the emotional involvement in the young Spielberg surrogate doesn’t always resonate. Still very good, but not quite great.”

Grade: A-

Michael Lee says, “The Fablemans is part coming-of-age tale, part cinematic catharsis, part ode to filmmaking. Michelle Williams delivers one of the best performances of her career. A must-watch if you love Spielberg’s career as a filmmaker.”

Grade: A-

Jillian Chilingerian says, “The Fabelmans is a beautiful story about how filmmaking is more than just knowing movies. Giving an intimate look into Spielberg’s childhood as he develops the ability to story-tell. It explores how cinema can be used as a tool that uncovers and shapes the truth. Steven Spielberg is able to reexamine the pain and discomfort within his family. This film is really about the relationship between the image and observer.”

Grade: A-

Aaron Neuwirth says, “There’s a special joy in seeing Steven Spielberg tell this story about his childhood. A masterful filmmaker who is not above his own flaws has certainly found a proper path in delivering something reverential yet critical.”

Grade: A-

Rebecca Lewis says, “Michelle Williams gives the performance of her career alongside newcomer Gabriel LaBelle who is revelatory in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical tale that suffers from being 20 minutes too long.”

Grade: A-

Sara Clements says, “Many are tired of movies about movies, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re Oscar bait. More often than not, they get recognized by the Academy above many other films that should be recognized and never are (like horror films, for example). However, it’s hard to deny their magic, especially if John Williams is composing. There’s an undeniable magic in capturing the shared experience of seeing our first movie, which in turn, captures why we love movies so much. Movies themselves are magical. They have the power to move us, terrify us, and shape us. They did all these things and more for Sammy Fabelman and Spielberg. Through this semi-autobiographical tale, we come to understand the hard truths that Spielberg, and many other artists, may have had to learn and the sacrifices they may have had to make to become who they are.”

Grade: A-

Kevin Taft says, “Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical childhood years are explored in his most personal film to date. There’s much to appreciate here, but the film does seem like it isn’t sure where to land its focus. Is it on the family as a whole? (It is called The Fabelmans after all.) Or is it Spielberg’s stand-in Sammy (an excellent Gabriel LaBelle)? Michelle Williams is compelling as the free-spirited mom but also falls into moments where we can see her work. This a complaint I’ve often had about her, despite enjoying watching her on-screen. The film struggles to balance Sammy’s love of film, and the parent’s marital issues, and it never quite gels. That said, it’s still a beautiful piece of filmmaking and for movie lovers (and Spielberg fans like myself) a spirited look at what made him the genius storyteller he is today.”

Grade: B+

Tom O’Brien says, “Steven Spielberg tackles both his love of movies and his parents’ divorce in this…well, fable…of a young Jewish lad (Gabriel LaBelle) who is introduced to the wonders of cinema by his technically-minded dad (Paul Dano) and his emotional mom (Michelle Williams). He must endure disappointments and heartache along the way (along with ugly incidents of anti-Semitism), but those setbacks only fuel his love of the movies even more. Tony Kushner’s script is both moving and hilarious at times and, being a Spielberg film, is impeccably crafted. Still, despite all of the passion being spoken about on screen, I was missing that sense of awe and wonder that mark the films of Spielberg at his very best.”

Grade: B+

Brian Formo says, “The Fabelmans has many of the best individual scenes of 2022; it does ultimately feel like the narrative thrust is tied too closely to Spielberg as I.P. It’s his origin story as a director but it’s the coming-of-age moments, with supportive but divisive parents, and navigating two bullies at school, that drive almost all of the best moments. A magnificent coming-of-age story with a clunkier opening and an incomplete closing moment. Both not dissimilar from a superhero origin movie—but immensely rewarding in between.”

Grade: B+

Maria Estevez says, “An emotional route through the memories of a kid called Steven Spielberg.”

Grade: B+

Abe Friedtanzer says, “The Fabelmans is Steven Spielberg’s most personal film yet. It’s particularly rewarding to see a filmmaker who has mastered so many genres display his love for filmmaking and bring his own history into it. Wonderful performances from the cast and a true passion for storytelling converge in this enjoyable and heartwarming family narrative.”

Grade: B+

Erik Anderson says, “The Fabelmans luxuriates in its fable-like retelling of Spielberg’s life but in a way almost only he can get away with. Michelle Williams is phenomenal in a wily, frenetic, and emotionally volatile performance.”

Grade: B+

Federica Volpe says, “Very good movie. The script is solid, the story is very interesting and relatable in terms of family dynamics, where at some point one discovers that instead of looking desperately for the happy ending, what really matters is understanding and acceptance. I must say Michelle Williams’ performance stands out, she is absolutely perfect in this movie. The grade I’m giving is for the movie overall, but for her performance is an A for me.”

Grade: B+

Nicholas Spake says, “The Fabelmans is a wonderful film, but it falls short of being top-tier Spielberg. That might be because only part of Spielberg’s story has been told. The film ends with an unforgettable exchange between Sammy and a legendary director played by another legendary director. It feels like there are more stories to explore, however. Maybe down the line, Spielberg could revisit these characters in a sequel touching upon his early Hollywood days, marriages, and fatherhood. Whether this is the first part of Sammy’s story or a standalone entity, “The Fabelmans” is a hard film not to like. It’s a film you want to love, though. “The Fabelmans” may fall short of that threshold, but it comes close.”

Grade: B+

Clarence Moye says, “The Fabelmans has some of the best Spielberg has offered in years and some of the worst. Still, the touching and deeply felt scenes of the core Fabelman family (anchored by the excellent trio of Williams, Dano, and particularly LaBelle) outweigh any grievances I had with later sequences that felt ill-placed within the narrative.”

Grade: B+

Abbie Bernstein says, “A lot of filmmakers have a highly personal movie in them that they just have to make, regardless of how it plays. Steven Spielberg’s gift is that most of the movies he makes reach out to include the viewer, and The Fabelmans is no exception. We can see that it’s personal, but it feels like it’s meant for us as well.”

Grade: B+

Scott Menzel says, “Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans showcases how cinema can transform lives and become the ultimate escape, even in the most difficult of times. Newcomer Gabriel LaBelle leads an all-star cast and yet manages to steal the show as Sammy. While the film’s runtime can definitely be felt at times, it’s hard to deny that The Fabelmans is an ode to the films of the 1950s and 60s. The performances and storytelling all represent a simpler time in Hollywood and one that was filled with magic and wonder. While so many iconic filmmakers have told their stories in fictional form, Spielberg’s feels a little more special because you can feel and see that he is exposing his family secrets that have been deeply effecting him for decades as a filmmaker.”

Grade: B+

Sari Cohen says, “Spielberg and co-writer Tony Kushner (West Side Story, Angels in America) do a terrific job bringing each character to life. Dano gives an earnest performance, Rogen (in his true-to-form Seth Rogen way) is both funny and sincere, Hirsch is delightfully entertaining, and Williams comes across as poetry on screen. Spielberg has detailed his origin story in interviews over the years, but it’s still rewarding to watch the moving parts of what made the award-winning director become the star he is today.”

Grade: B

Don Shanahan says, “For better or worse, exponential whimsy bleeds from every corner. Hard topics are massaged and softened almost as soon as they momentarily bludgeon our characters’ dreamy existences. Through it all, feelings stay prudent and comfortable. The tagline on the poster of The Fabelmans commands to “capture every moment” just as the Spielberg proxy does. The more apt result would be a film lulling you into appreciation.”

Grade: B

Rodrigo Salem says, “An emotional and honest journey to the past of one of cinema’s greatest directors that feels more important to the ones involved than to the audience.”

Grade: B-

Fico Cangiano says, “Steven Spielberg’s partial biopic is a warm, sweet coming-of-age story that navigates dreams, family, struggles, and the power of movies. An elegant and lovely tribute to cinema and his family.”

Grade: B-

Dan Murrell says, “While The Fabelmans may be Steven Spielberg’s most personal film, it’s not his best. There are glimpses of brilliance and moments that are brought to life as only one of the best filmmakers of all time can. But the melodrama of the story, intentional or not, doesn’t always work and the narrative lacks focus as the movie progresses. Michelle Williams’ performance will work for some people but came off as too theatrical and hammy to me. Judd Hirsch delivers the best scene in the movie and Gabriel LaBelle carries the film with what should be a star-making performance. The Fabelmans is full of peaks and valleys, but the peaks contain some of the best filmmaking of the year.”

Grade: B-

Danielle Broadway says, “The Fabelmans is a heartwarming film for movie lovers of all ages. It offers audiences a glimpse into Spielberg’s youth and complicated family life but often drags on with a good yet unremarkable story. These elements come together to make it a merely satisfactory movie.”

Grade: C+

Byron Burton says, “Despite a fantastic cast and Oscar-caliber, below-the-line talent, Spielberg’s latest outing comes up far shorter than one would expect. The script is riddled with scenes that go nowhere and one repeatedly witnesses two-dimensional characters fall into tropes reserved for 1980s television dramas. This feels like an elongated episode of The Wonder Years and it makes you wonder if Spielberg’s life story was really worthy of the big screen treatment. Unlike recent Spielberg outings like Lincoln or Bridge of Spies, this film will not connect in any of the acting categories. Despite hiring capable performers, Spielberg and co-writer Tony Kushner offer nothing meaty or even interesting for the likes of Paul Dano and Michelle Williams.”

Grade: C-

Chauncey K. Robinson says, “If you go into The Fabelmans thinking you’re about to watch a movie on Spielberg’s rise to being one of the most iconic filmmakers of our modern times, you will be disappointed. The movie is very focused on the character inspired by Spielberg’s mother, played wonderfully by Michelle Williams. Unfortunately, she and Paul Dano can’t save this overly long and scattered film. It’s beautifully directed, but the story lacks engrossing conflict or clear themes.”

Grade: D+

Josie Meléndez says, “Steven Spielberg returns to the big screen only a year after his own rendition of West Side Story. This time, Spielberg looks inward at his own past and upbringing. While the concept would pave the way for a truly personal and emotive story, the film falls flat as it loses itself in nostalgia. Spielberg recounts this film as a way of bringing his parents back, which adds a touching layer to the tale. However, upon first watch, it was unclear what kind of a story he was trying to tell as there are multiple storylines weaving their way in the dark towards a third act that surprisingly sticks the landing. In the end, ‘The Fabelmans’ is proof of how a film can suffer when the mind behind it is too close to the subject matter.”

Grade: D

Jeff Ewing says, “As Steven Spielberg’s own fictionalized look back into his cinematic and familial origins, of course, The Fabelmans is covered by a nostalgic glow in both tone and, early on, its cinematography. The film is at its best when young Samuel Fabelman (an electric Gabriel LaBelle) is discovering and making movies. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the film is an exercise in melodrama, with inconsistent and sometimes inexplicably flat performances, a lack of narrative cohesion, and an overlong script that feels far more like a succession of vignettes than a finished film. With a maestro such as Spielberg at the helm, it should be much, much better.”

Grade: D

The Fabelmans is now playing exclusively in theaters.