So much of the time Hollywood produces more films that are intense, war-based, political or based on depressed, unscrupulous individuals all based on true events. It's truly refreshing to see a film based on true events that is as inspirational and uplifting as "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood". In this day and age of a torn society, this was a joy to sit back and take it in.
This is a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers aka Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is assigned by his editor, Ellen (Christine Lahti), a profile of Fred Rogers, he ultimately overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor. It seems to be that for every question Vogel has for Rogers, Rogers has this innate ability to see through the pain Vogel is experiencing. Through Vogel's pain and cynicism, he is amazed how Rogers can do his show and when it's over, his demeanor doesn't change at all from his program to afterwards when the camera is off--his humility is something that Vogel truly stumbles around on.
Others to round out the cast are Chris Cooper as Jerry Vogel, Lloyd's estranged father, Susan Kelechi Watson as Andrea Vogel, Lloyd's wife, Maryann Plunkett as Joanne Rogers, Fred's wife, Enrico Colantoni as Bill Isler, Wendy Makkena as Dorothy, Tammy Blanchard as Lorraine, Kelley Davis as First AD, Carmen Cusack as Margy, Daniel Krell as Mr. McFeely and Maddie Corman as Lady Aberlin.
This was mesmerizingly directed by Marielle Heller ("The Diary of a Teenage Girl" '15, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" '18) plus TV. This is certainly a newer director, however the work she has helmed is definitely quality. Although Hanks is a consummate actor, it still took a talented filmmaker to give the audience the feeling of seeing Fred Rogers up on that screen without it being the actual person. With the obvious expertise shown here, I will be waiting to see what she does next. It was equally well thought out by writers Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster ("Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" '19) plus a TV short. As Heller is as new to directing as she is, these writers are even newer and they produced an original and fresh screenplay I really haven't seen in any other film based on a true story. The film goes back to 1998 where Rogers already had established fame and was in the middle of his long running TV show based at WQED TV in Pittsburgh, Pa. Where his show with showing the audience a scale model of 'the neighborhood', every time this film would change locations, they would show the audience a scale model of that city, i.e. New York, Pittsburgh, etc. And there were other things that were as unique as the models. The story was cohesive, tight and concise. When I first saw the trailer of this film, I felt then that Hanks would be nominated at Oscar time, and afterwards, I am confirmed. Will he win? Not sure, but he will be nominated deservedly. The look, tonality and nuances he emulated were incredible.
I'll tell you, this is a film all can and should be see by all, especially with the barrage of media woes, i.e. politics, natural disasters, murders and the like. It is simply a pleasure to sit back and see a film that will warm your heart, but also one that causes one to think about who we are and how are we treating each other.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG 108mins.
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