The Fabelmans (2022)

DVD CASE/SIDE

MPAA Number: 53875

Length of film:  151 Minutes

Rated: 12A

Genre: Drama

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, Paul Dano, Judd Hirsch, Seth Rogan, Mateo Zoryan

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

Part 1 Time:  83 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  68 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Mitizi Fabelman (Michelle Williams) and her son Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) speak in the countryside.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Burt Fabelman is the kindest, smartest, wisest, most patient, most decent, most understanding man there is, and i’m gonna stay married to him.” Mitzi tells Sammy.

First line of dialogue on the second part: The Fabelman’s arrive at their new home in Northern California. “It’s only a rental. The new house will be ready faster than you can say, ‘Jack Robinson.'” states Burt Fabelman (Paul Dano).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the Fabelman’s are now moving from Arizona to Northern California, but without their family friend Bennie (Seth Rogan). How will each member of the family adjust to the changes?

Which part is better? Part one explores the early life of Sammy, his first experiences with film making, and the not so perfect family dynamics. Part two picks up as the family arrives in Northern California and highlights Sammy’s late teenage years and early adulthood. Part two is significantly better as Sammy navigates his struggles between art (i.e., film making), family and adolescence.

Academy Awards: Best Director (Nominated), Best Music-Original Score (Nominated), Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actress (Michelle Williams-Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Judd Hursh- Nominated), Best Original Screenplay (Nominated), Best Production Design (Nominated)