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What a Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood: Movie Review

Neighborhood | Sony Pictures
Neighborhood | Sony Pictures

Mister Rogers is arguably the nicest person to ever walk the earth. His work is so moving for whole generations. So it is very pleasing that a biopic starring Tom Hanks is so sweet and just as moving today. A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood is uplifting, heartwarming, and just a little too weird.

Mister Roger’s Neighborhood teaches children about as many aspects of life that it can. Including some of the darker facets like war, death, and grief. In that same vein, this film delves into some heavy stuff like abuse and trauma and teaches us to work passed the feelings that come with them so that we can be better and happier.

Based on the 1998 article “Can You Say… Hero?”. Troubled writer Lloyd Vogel is sent on assignment to interview Fred Rogers for a piece on Heroes in Esquire Magazine. He walks about life with a chip on his shoulder and has lost his faith in humanity. But Fred cannot sit idly by while there is a neighbour in need of help.

Neighborhood | Photo: Sony Pictures | Sony Pictures
Neighborhood | Photo: Sony Pictures | Sony Pictures

Hello Neighbor

The performances in this movie are great. Tom Hanks in particular steals the show as Fred Rogers. Every word he speaks reaches into your heartstrings and yanks them the whole film. Matthew Rhys delivers a more relatable Lloyd Vogel that takes you on his journey to happiness with him.

All of the supporting cast does a good job. While the focus is much more on Lloyd and Mister Rogers, everyone else still delivers solid performances. Everyone contrasts Lloyd in such a way that makes him feel like a fish out of water. Wading through people who have already been changed by Mister Rogers and now it’s his turn.

The presentation is lovely, the scene transitions are shot like the diorama scenes from Mister Roger’s world with small houses and toy cars being pulled on tracks. Fans of the show will be delighted as this whole film is set up to feel just like a large unaired episode of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. Opening and ending with his classic songs.

The only point where the film falters is when it becomes surreal, almost psychedelic in some scenes. They all relate to Lloyd having dreams or panic attacks. One scene goes on just a little too long. If the movie was more grounded and real, it’s impact would hit harder.

The Verdict

Everyone should see this movie. Though Parents and young adults who grew up with Mister Rogers will find the most enjoyment. It tells a dark story with such sweetness that it works as a learning tool for everyone on how to forgive.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is dark yet sweet. Heavy yet hopeful. Sad yet happy. And absolutely worth visiting again after all these years.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

8 out of 10

1 hr 49 mins. Drama, Biography.

Directed by Marielle Heller.

Starring Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Cooper.

Now playing at Film.ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville & VIP.