A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - I like you just the way you are

Just last year in June, a documentary about the life and legacy of children's television show host Fred Rogers graced the silver screen. It showcased the achievements, philosophy, and impact that Mr. Rogers and his show had on the world at large. In the eyes of many children, as well as adults, he was a genuine hero and an incredible human being. Now, a little over a year later, Sony has released a narrative feature film starring Tom Hanks (regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood) that delves just a little bit deeper into the impact and importance of Mr. Rogers. Reminding us all how important it is to remember some things from childhood and what it truly means to grow up. This is, without a doubt, a special treat. 

The film makes the intelligent decision to not make Mr. Rogers the protagonist of the film. Instead, the story follows a professional journalist named Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who apparently has a reputation for ticking off the people he writes about. His wife just had a baby boy, and, rather suddenly, his estranged father Jerry (Chris Cooper) reemerges trying to reconnect with him. However, Lloyd is not at all interested as he has some massive issues with his father that he has not forgiven him for. One day, his boss gives him the assignment to interview Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) as part of a particular collective article about heroes. Lloyd is skeptical at first, as he finds a man as genuine as Mr. Rogers challenging to believe. That is until he actually meets the man, and begins to discover not only how kind Mr. Rogers is, but also how much more growing up that he himself needs to find his true happiness. 

The most significant accomplishment this film makes, aside from a fantastic performance by Tom Hanks (more on that in a moment), is how much it understands Mr. Rogers and how relevant he and his ideals are even today. Many people assume that because his show was intended for children, there's not much there worthy of an adult's attention. That once you've grown up, you don't need nor should bother with stuff like this anymore. This could not be farther from the truth. Mr. Rogers was many things, but he was not exclusive to children. His ideas, philosophy, methods for emotional management, and emphasis of your own self-worth, applies to everyone, child and adult alike. We all have issues or times of frustration that we're not sure how to deal with, and it seems like no one else out there cares. But if you look in the right places, you just might find someone who can help you, in one way or another. 

The cast is lovely all around. Tom Hanks especially delivers his usual professional performance with an uncanny embodiment of Mr. Rogers. From his voice to his make-up, all the way to his mannerisms, Hanks has successfully captured the essence of Mr. Rogers. Not at all surprising considering that Mr. Rogers's widow was quoted as saying that Tom Hanks was the only man in Hollywood who could play him. Matthew Rhys has more emotional baggage to work through, thus getting more opportunities to show off his emotional range. Needless to say, he shines through. 

The production design is especially noteworthy. One of the trademarks of the original Mr. Rogers show was his use of miniatures. Model towns with moving cars usually used as transitions. The film pays homage to this aspect by utilizing models similar in style as establishing shots of new locations or cityscapes. They even change the aspect ratio to the old fashioned squared shaped 4:3 style for good measure. In fact, the whole film is treated like an episode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, complete with the original opening jingle and occasional cutaways back to the main set. It's a smart way to showcase the classic style of the program. 

The cinematography is just plain gorgeous. Photographed by Jody Lee Lipes, the film has a 1970s style to the color and lighting, which I adore. I have always enjoyed the photographic style of the 70s for its perfect imperfection. How colors can be vibrant yet a little off. How the lighting seems to only be coming from natural sources. It's a kind of naturalistic style that I often find myself emulating in my own work. 

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is just the kind of film we needed this Holiday season. It's a warm and beautiful story about one man's inspiration and how it remains relevant to this day. It will, one way or another, enrich your life and just renew some of your faith in humanity. Please do not miss this one. 

Is this movie worth seeing? 

Yes. 

Is it worth seeing in Theaters? 

Yes. 

Why? 

It's a heartwarming experience that will make you feel like a kid again in more ways than one. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.