Freeze Frame: “The Fabelmans” (PG-13), “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (R), “Strange World” (PG-13), “Slumberland” (PG)

For fifty years, Steven Spielberg has been Hollywood’s preeminent filmmaker. His latest movie, “The Fabelmans,” is his most personal yet. This semi-autobiographical story is about a young boy who discovers the magic of filmmaking. But more than that, it’s about how his thorny family dynamics shaped him as an artist. Heartfelt. humane and beautifully acted, “The Fabelmans” is a warm coming-of-age story. And for film buffs, it’s a must-see.

Daniel Craig is back as wily detective Beniot Blanc in the wacky “Knives Out” sequel, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” now in theaters and streaming on Netflix December 23rd. A billionaire, played by Ed Norton, invites a group of old friends to play a murder mystery game on his private island. But, naturally, things go awry. While Rian Johnson’s opus is entertaining, it’s farfetched to a comic level. And even though it is absurd, mystery fans should find “Glass Onion” to be good decadent fun.

“Strange World” is the latest computer animated feature from the folks at Disney. This adventure fantasy aimed squarely at young boys involves a group of explorers who face many dangers as they travel to a bizarre uncharted underground world. As you’d expect, the visuals are opulent. And while the story has at least one twist we haven’t seen before, the plot mostly follows a well-worn template. “Strange World” is diverting, mid-level Mouse House fare.

“Slumberland” is a Netflix adaptation of the classic comic strip, “Little Nemo in Slumberland.” Jason Momoa leads the cast in this major overhaul of the story about young Nemo, a girl in this version, who finds a mysterious map that allows her to travel back-and-forth between the real world and the dream world. It’s all very manic and overlong. Still, parents may see Slumberland” as a harmless two-hour babysitter.


Share This Episode