No life is free of pain, that's one of the key messages of
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, a 2019 biographical drama about kindness triumphing over cynicism and how acceptance and kindness are both necessities in everyday life. Based on the real-life friendship between iconic TV figure Fred Rogers (Played by Tom Hanks), and journalist Tom Junod (Played by Matthew Rhys), the film explores important themes regarding skepticism, empathy, and kindness from strangers with Fred Rogers story being used as a device to drive those themes home to the audience. Released by Sony pictures, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2019, with it later receiving its official theatrical release in the United States on November 22, 2019 by Sony Pictures. The film opened to unanimous praise from critics with high marks being directed towards Tom Hank's performance, which so far has garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor with an Oscar nomination soon in the cards, as well as praise towards Rhy's performance along with the films directing and touching messages it conveys to the audience. On a financial note, the film proved to be a box office success garnering $58 million at the domestic box office, while being placed on Time's top 10 best film lists of 2019. Having seen the actual film
, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood thrives largely off the performance of its supporting actor, along with the message the film carries.
The plot for
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood centers around the friendship between a beloved children's TV programmer, Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) and a magazine writer (Matthew Rhys), whose tasked with writing a story centering around heroes. The relationship between these two individuals is where the film draws its greatest strength in terms of being emotionally powerful, as well as being fun to watch with the audience witnessing Rhy's character Lloyd's cynicism slowly fade away with the more he witness the impact that Fred Rogers influence as a TV host has on the youth, as well as himself in regards to dealing with his own personal issues. It is with the relationship between Fred Rogers and Lloyd, that the film gains both its heart and soul with their friendship being a meaningful one. The film is extremely well-acted, directed, written, beautifully shot, and well put together, ultimately making it an ideal drama that audiences can become both invested and connected with. Despite the films strong qualities in terms of it's filmmaking, the end result feels somewhat underwhelming as it's not so much about Fred Rogers, but instead is about the stranger he befriends and helps heal from their pain. To some, this will be disappointing as they will expect a film moreso about the life of Fred Rogers going in. For others, the film as well as it's story will still hit home with it's inspiring story about kindness, friendship, and healing from ones pain.
What makes the film thrive outside of it's strong directing and writing is the main performances between the two main stars. Hanks proves to be the perfect choice for the role of Frank Rogers, showing that no one else could've nailed the part as well as he does. He possesses the same kind of warmth and mannerisms that Rogers carried along with the fact that Hanks is generally known as a nice guy off camera. Here he delivers another masterful performance, that stands as being one of his best pieces of acting yet. Matthew Rhys does a fine job playing the cynical reporter Lloyd, who balks at the idea of interviewing Mr. Rogers at first, finding the task to be a joke but ultimately grows to respect the man he's interviewing when he see's the impact he has on others including himself. Add to that, both Rhys and Hanks showcase perfect chemistry together, while providing the contrast between the two personalities. Hanks does a fantastic job of delivering a magical feel about Fred Rogers with both Lloyd and the audience wondering why Fred is such a nice person with the realization being that's just the type of person he is. Rhys plays his character as being a hurt young boy trapped inside a man's body, as he still harbors pain and anger towards his father for the way he treated his family years prior. In terms of the films supporting cast, Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Cooper both shine as Lloyd's wife (And fan of Mr. Rogers show) and Lloyd's fragile and neglectful father. Maryann Plunkett shines as Fred's wife, Joanne Rogers despite having a minimal role compared to Hanks and Enrinco Colantani as Bill Isler, President and CEO of Family Communications whose portrayed as being an important figure in Fred's life. As a whole, the cast does an impressive job of fitting into their roles, making them both believable and convincing. The performances from the main actors along with the supporting cast go a long way in regards to bringing the story to life, as well as making the film sweet and heartwarming. Despite the strong work of the side actors, the film rests solely on the performances of Hanks and Rhys with their characters relationship carrying the film.
In regards to the films directing, Marielle Heller does a fine job with helming the story, giving the film both a gentle and sincere feel, while letting the performances take control of the story. The scenes with Hanks and Rhys together are the strongest moments of the film with the two men carrying opposing views being placed together in a room and just chatting with a friendship growing along with Rogers character attempting to help Lloyd heal from his pain. The performances as well as the subtle touch that Heller adds to the scenes with the atmosphere, makes those moments engaging to the point where the audience can't resist looking away from the screen. The film never feels overly sentimental nor forced, but carries with it a feeling of authenticity in regards to how it presents a story revolving around acceptance and forgiveness combined with the goodwill of strangers. With key scenes, Heller restrains the music, letting the atmosphere and actors give life to the moment with the creative director carrying the same patience as Rogers in regards to getting the proper responses from those involved. On a technical note, the films cinematography gives the film a perfect feel good look and style of the story, making the film appear to be well-shot with the pacing moving the story slowly, though still making great transitions between the scenes involving the show and Lloyd's transitioning. The films score by Nate Heller beautifully blends with the films look and style, giving the movie a quality that makes it feel magical, lively, and electric while utilizing songs from the actual Mr. Rogers TV show. In regards to the films directing, Marielle Heller does a fine and worthy job of creating a story that honors the work of the legendary childrens TV show host, while making the story feel transformative to audiences.
The films screenplay by Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman Blue works well as being an emotionally touching story about how the persistent kindness of strangers can make a difference in a persons life for the better, creating an experience that's ultimately life-changing. With the writing and Heller's directing, the film often feels like it has a life of its own with certain moments feeling like it's speaking directly to the audience in much the same way that Fred Roger's show spoke to young children. The film presents an interesting scenario to audiences with two ways the film can be viewed as appearing storytelling wise. The first is that the film can be look upon as a biopic with insight into the mystical world of Fred Rogers, as well as his passion for being a role model for young children, with the second outlook being that the story also focuses on the character of Lloyd, a man carrying his own personal pain and insecurities who needs healing within his inner world in order to move forward with his future without losing everything he loves. That healing process and self-reflection comes through his relationship with Fred Rogers, two men who are complete opposites yet give each other purpose. The film is less about the life of Rogers but more of a tale of how he helped to put someones life back on track. Despite that overall concept working well, it makes one question why the filmmakers chose to focus on this specific relationship as Rhy's character is presented as being a deeply flawed and almost unlikable person (Especially when he critiques Fred's approach to helping kids) in comparison to someone as extroardinary as Fred. Wouldn't it have been more ideal to explore the life of Fred Rogers such as showing his upbringing while answering questions the audience might have such as how he got his show, and why he chose to be such a humanitarian to others? While the story presented here is moving and accomplishes what it sets out to do, one can't help but wonder about the missed opportunity and answers to those questions that the film could've explored.
Whether audiences agree with the approach that
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood takes with it's story or left disappointed by it, there's no denying that a huge dose of heart, passion, admiration, and homage went into this film to pay tribute to a man who made it a lifelong ambition of his to make a difference in people's lives. This is a story about how broken world's can be healed, and how simple gestures and acts of kindness can change a person's outlook on life, particularly those who feel hopeless and aren't sure how to deal with their negative emotions in a positive way. The film feels like an extended episode of Mr. Rogers show with the main point being that no one is too young nor too old to be helped by someone as kind-hearted and well-spirited as Fred Rogers.
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood might not be the film that some audiences were expecting it to be, but it still hits home with it's powerful messages along with the perfect casting of Tom Hanks in one of the most defining roles of his career. The film is unquestionably one of the best of the year, and will generate numerous award recognition for it's main star this award cycle. If one is a fan of Mr. Rogers work and want a trip down nostalgia lane that feels just right,
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is worth seeing. For those who are experiencing insecurities or having trouble processing harbored pain, it's a film that not only entertains but speaks them with advice on how to process those emotions, while encouraging them to remember their own childhood.
Final Verdict: For fans of the nostalgic PBS show, Tom Hanks fans, and those in need of a friend,
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is that friend and the film to both watch and experience.
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