KIRKUS REVIEW
An entry in the People to Know series about the film director and producer, from his childhood as a Jew in non-Jewish communities through his establishment of DreamWorks SKG. Although the writing is flat, the subject is inherently fascinating, which somewhat compensates. Pauline Kael and other film critics are occasionally quoted, but there is no real analysis of what makes Spielberg's films popular and appealing; instead, Meachum provides awkward rehashes of movies with which most readers will be utterly familiar. Little or no mention is made of such noted aspects of Spielberg's work as his groundbreaking special effects and stunts, his gift with child actors, or even the major influences on his work. There are surprisingly few photographs, all of them black- and-white, and the layout is less than engaging. Nevertheless, most readers will find this no-frills, serviceable biography worth perusing. (chronology, filmography, footnotes, bibliography, index) (Biography. 11+)