A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is what happens when you hire a National Treasure (Tom Hanks) to portray a National Treasure (Mr. Fred Rogers) on-screen.
Let’s take a look at this wonderful movie
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Review
Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers.
He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger’s empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel’s jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was cleverly written by Noah Harpster and Micah FItzerman-Blue.
How they incorporated the original set and opening / transitional sequences from the iconic TV series into the feature narrative was incredible. I loved it!
Sensitively directed by Marielle Heller (such graceful moves), who previously helmed another low-key winner, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, with Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant.
As someone who grew up watching and very much admiring Mr. Rogers, this movie certainly took me back to those simpler times.
I’m really glad that our son, Owen, has enjoyed spending time watching re-runs of the classic episodes. This includes the cheery-hearted animated spin-off, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Mr. Rogers had strong, humanistic values, and a pleasing sense of honesty when it comes to how people deal with long-term emotional baggage.
Matthew Rhys was excellent, and Chris Cooper appears in a scene-stealing supporting performance.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is available on Blu-ray/DVD and via various streaming providers.
Review by Nick Clement, posted by Sean Evans
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Rating
Summary
Excellent performances matched with a stellar Tom Hanks performance makes this feel good film a 5-Star feature in our eyes.
