Sunday, May 17, 2020

Movie review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

 
 Based on the true story of the friendship between journalist Tom Junod (Lloyd Vogel in the film) and Fred Rogers, the beloved children's television host known as Mr. Rogers.

Tom Hanks (Fred Rogers), Matthew Rhys (Lloyd), Chris Cooper (Jerry), Susan Watson (Andrea), Maryann Plunkett (Joanne), Enrico Colantoni (Bill), Wendy Makkena (Dorothy), Tammy Blanchard (Lorraine).

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood begins nicely with some character introductions before shifting to bring those characters into Fred Rogers' world. Journalist Lloyd is assigned to profile Fred, an assignment he believes beneath him, but quickly begins to learn life lessons on patience, forgiveness, and more. While the focus of the film is on Lloyd, we learn a bit more about Fred as their friendship grows. The rest of the film is an enjoyable journey as we see Lloyd change his life due to Fred's influence.

Acting is very well done with Hanks doing a great job of portraying Fred Rogers. Rhys was enjoyable as well with good emotion and solid delivery. Cooper was a good fit for his role, as was Watson. Colantoni, Plunkett, and the remainder of the supporting cast did nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are fairly mellow with a fitting feel. Dialogue has nice depth and moves the story along at a decent pace. Sound and soundtrack are fun and appropriate.

In the end our only real disappointment was the lack of focus on Mr. Rogers. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood really focuses on Lloyd and how his life was changed by knowing Fred Rogers, which itself is an enjoyable story. Those who enjoy a solid drama should enjoy this one.

With one instance of mild violence and a few curse words, this should actually be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 5.17.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Biography, Drama Based on Real Life, Period Pieces

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel

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