A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Synopsis: A journalist's life is enriched by friendship when he takes on an assignment profiling Fred Rogers. Based on the real-life friendship between journalist Tom Junod and television star Fred Rogers.
Movie Review:
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” was directed by Marielle Heller and is based on an article written by Tom Junod in which he decribes how his own life was changed after meeting this good hearted man. This film is a feel good drama that is heart-warming with pockets of sentimentality throughout and is elevated by two great performances. Tom Hanks plays the famous Fred Rogers, the beloved children's' television host. Of course, Tom Hanks is wonderful in this movie as he captures the kindness of the real life Mister Rogers but adds his own personal touch to this role. Mathew Rhys plays journalist Tom Junod who is the main character, and he is the biggest standout in this film. Mathew Rhys transforms this character from an arrogant, pessimistic man who hates his father to a kind, optimistic man who believes in second chances and forgiveness after emotional encounters with Fred Rogers. It was very touching to watch these scenes. This movie captures just how the 'Mister Rogers' show influenced so many people especially young children. In a current climate of such divisiveness, it was nice to see. Chris Cooper plays Junod's father and portrays a strained father/son relationship that needs repair. He and Rhys share some powerful emotional scenes at the end of the movie that brought tears to my eyes. The only small problem I had with this movie is that I was disappointed that there wasn’t more of Fred Rogers; I loved Tom Hank’s performance so much I wanted more of him. "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" was a genuine tribute to the legacy of a man who showed kindness can change people and this message was brought to life by the great actors, Tom Hanks and Mathew Rhys (who I believe will be nominated for Academy Awards this year). It's been quite a while since I have seen a movie and it made me want to be a better person. I am giving “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Diretor: Marielle Heller
Cast: Mathew Rhys, Tom Hanks, Susan Kelechi Watson, Wendy Makkena and Chris Cooper
Runtime: 108 minutes