Steven Spielberg shows his softer side with The Fabelmans

The magical new movie The Fabelmans contains artistic storytelling and fables from which we can all learn. This project is obviously an act of love created by esteemed film director Steven Spielberg and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner, who were both involved in writing the script as well as producing the piece.

This coming-of-age drama unfolds much like a fairytale following a Jewish family as they maneuver life in the middle of the 20th century. Beginning in Arizona, Sammy Fabelman and his middle-class parents go out to the theater to see The Greatest Showman on Earth which changes his life at a crucial time in his life.

Sammy is portrayed by Spielberg's muse Gabriel LaBelle, who may be up for some awards this season and triple threat Michelle Williams who steals the show as his mother Mitzi. Paul Dano holds it together as the father Burt and Seth Rogen is charming while playing family friend Bennie Loewy.

The team assembled to bring The Fabelmans to life includes Spielberg's friends from his hit version of West Side Story, executive producer Carla Raij and producer Kristie Macosko Krieger. This all pays off with a slick piece of well-crafted cinema.

The Fabelmans will bring out the inner child in many viewers thanks to several sweet scenarios involving the children and the movies made by Sammy. These delightful moments are best conveyed on the big screen and not in a review, but I will say to be sure and pack up your parents for a trip to the cinema where their attention will be held throughout the over two-hour production.

There is some occasional meandering over the course of The Fabelmans' story, but by the end, audiences will be glad they stuck with it, especially after witnessing the captivating performances from the specially selected cast.

This fictionalized biography from Spielberg is full of heartwarming moments and nostalgic humor that almost anyone can enjoy. It is a love letter to cinema and maybe the closest to a life story from the artist that we will ever receive. Spielberg was quoted as saying “Whether in success or in failure, I'm proud of every single movie I've directed” and he has a lot to be proud of here. His fans are certainly happy he has stuck with this "hobby" over the years.

The Fabelmans is one of the best movies in 2022 thanks to an expert that knows what he's doing while crafting a story that continues to resonate after repeat viewings. Go see The Fabelmans at the movie theater where it was meant to be screened this holiday season before it moves on!