The story begins in a New Jersey cinema where a very young Sammy Fabelman (Mateo Zoryan) experiences his first big screen film and it’s a life-changing event. His parents’ father Burt (Paul Dano) and mother Mitzi (Michelle Williams) are doing their best to help their young son cope with the anxieties of his youth.

As we transition to an older Sammy now played by Gabriel LaBelle, we see his progress as an aspiring auteur. At this point in the film, it becomes a fairly predictable outcast teen story. The scenes of his early attempts at filmmaking are easily the most interesting parts on display during this time.

What provides the most assertive qualities of the film are the acting chops displayed by Paul Dano as the uptight genius father and Michelle Williams’ luminous performance as Sam’s free-spirited mother. She fills every scene with a myriad of believable emotions. She really is outstanding. The joys of watching this level of craft far outweigh the deficiencies found in the script.
Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/STUDIOCANAL.AUS/

Start your New Year’s Eve early with an afternoon Preview Screening of THE FABELMANS with a glass of sparkling on arrival.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg delivers his most personal work to date with the acclaimed new drama starring Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, and Seth Rogen. Loosely based on Spielberg’s childhood growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, from age seven to eighteen, a young man named Sammy Fabelman discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of movies help us see the truth about each other and ourselves.

Join us at Dendy in the evening and end 2022 in style with a glass of Sparkling on arrival and a Special Preview Screening of EMPIRE OF LIGHT.

Set in an English seaside town in the early 1980s, EMPIRE OF LIGHT is a powerful and poignant story about human connection and the magic of cinema from Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes and features a stellar cast led by Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, BAFTA winner Micheal Ward, and Academy Award winner Colin Firth, all captured by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins.

“An engrossing, poignantly observed and beautifully acted drama about love, life and the fragile art of moviegoing.” – The Guardian

Or you can elevate your evening at Dendy Cinemas Coorparoo at our EMPIRE OF LIGHT Gala Preview in the Premium Lounge. Movie like the star you are with bottomless sparkling wine and feast on a sumptuous deluxe dining experience including: Karaage Chicken Bites, Mac & Cheese croquettes, Prawn Cutlets, Chicken Tenders, Strawberry Cheesecake & Churros. Vegetarian alternatives available upon request.

Tickets are $18 for Club Dendy Members and $22 for General Admission. Tickets for the Premium Lounge Gala Screening are $92 for Club Dendy Members and $99 for General Admission.
Head to www.dendy.com.au for more information