Movie Reviews - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Director: Marielle Heller
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Matthew Rhys, Tom Hanks, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson, Maryann Plunkett, Enrico Colantoni, Wendy Makkena, Tammy Blanchard, Noah Harpster

Description: Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) and journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys).

Review: A tough journalist opposite a gentle television icon: this true story is about a peaceful clash between two different worlds.
He sees himself as a competent investigative journalist, but Esquire reporter Lloyd Vogel is send on a smaller assignment by his boss. He has to interview Mister Rogers, a singing, puppet playing TV presenter that was cherished by kids for many years. The interview won’t stay with one meeting and Vogel becomes more and more intrigued by the calm, charismatic and kindhearted Mr. Rogers, who doesn’t only answer questions but also asked a lot himself.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is not a biopic about Fred Rogers, even though it’s based on true events. Director Marielle Heller takes her time for personal development between Vogel and Rogers. It’s an intimate film. Matthew Rhys is really good as Vogel and Tom Hanks is fantastic in portraying the modest TV icon.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” has a pretty standard story. If it weren’t for the character of Mr. Rogers, this film would be pretty forgettable. It’s his unique character that makes this film feel like a warm hug. Fred Rogers must have been one of the kindest, gentles and warmest people who ever lived. And Tom Hanks manages to translate this to film very well.
I really liked “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”, especially because of Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers. He is the star and the reason this film is as good as it is.

Rating: 4 / 5