November Preview: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
by Nathan Robertson
Perhaps A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’s greatest strength is its confidence that it can make you smile. It’s a beautiful ode to a man who spent his life looking to better the lives of others and to always show every person he came in contact with why their uniqueness was bigger than their circumstances.
One of 2018’s greatest gifts was Won’t You Be My Neighbor, a documentary exploring the life and legacy of iconic children’s television host Fred Rogers. Even for those who grew up watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, the documentary gave an inside look at the life of Mr. Rogers that few had ever seen. How does a Presbyterian minister end up revolutionizing educational children’s television? The answer is simple, by loving everyone he came into contact with. Few have lived out the calling to love your neighbor as yourself more than Mr. Rogers.
So here we are one year later and the renowned Tom Hanks is taking on the role of Mr. Rogers. And in assumed fashion, Hank does what Hank does. He brings kindness and gentleness to the role that few could achieve. Mr. Rogers could easily be a character that is difficult to take seriously, especially if an actor hyperbolized some of his mannerisms. However, Hank does a truly beautiful job of approaching the role with subtlety and understanding that Mr. Rogers is truly deserving of.
As a whole, the film has some really great moments. A particular scene in a diner with Mr. Rogers and Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) where have a minute of silence is a truly moving moment and one that I will remember for years to come. That scene alone is worth seeing the film for.
The film follows journalist Lloyd Vogel who finds himself doing a puff piece on Mr. Rogers but is unable to believe he’s as good a person as everyone says he is. As trials from his past and present begin to overwhelm him, Lloyd begins to rely more and more on the influence of Mr. Rogers, resulting in an exploration of hardship, family, and what it means to truly love others.
The film does have some pacing issues and honestly anytime Tom Hanks isn’t on the screen things can start to drag. However, if you’re looking for a film to make you smile and remind you that there still is good in the world, take some time to go see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Rating (Out of 5 Stars): ⭑⭑⭑ 1/2
I would highly recommend watching the “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” documentary.