A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

In 2018, the documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? was released on the streaming site, Netflix, and focused on the life and guiding philosophy of Fred Rogers, who was the host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. It received acclaim from critics and audiences. It shows viewers why Mr. Rogers was so beloved by many who grew up watching his television series and why he still has a special place in a lot of people’s hearts, even after almost two decades of his death from stomach cancer in 2001. Now, a fictional film has been released, however, those looking for a biopic that focuses on Mr. Rogers will be disappointed and are better off watching the documentary. 

In Marielle Heller’s latest film, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks) is a supporting figure in the life of journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who interviews the legendary TV presenter for an article. Prior to meeting Mr. Rogers, Vogel has his doubts, however, the two end up forming a friendship.

The stand-out aspect of A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is definitely Hanks’ portrayal of Mr. Rogers. He brings to life the late presenter’s genuine and friendly personality. He is currently nominated at this year’s Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Rhys also impresses as Vogel, who, at first, thinks that Mr. Rogers is just a characterised version of the real Fred Rogers but is surprised by how genuine he really is. Another performance worth mentioning is that of Chris Cooper who portrays Vogel’s father, Jerry. The relationship between the father and son ended after Jerry abandoned his son and wife when she became ill. Vogel has never been able to forgive his father, however, Jerry tries to make amends. What I liked about this was that, even though he clearly made a big mistake, Jerry is never seen as the villain of the film, he’s simply a father trying to reconnect with his son and get his forgiveness. This is because he’s dying from cancer. With Mr. Rogers’ help, Vogel is able to forgive his father for his actions and spend time with him before his death.

Last year, Heller released the critically acclaimed drama, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, which starred Melissa McCarthy in one of her best dramatic performances that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Leading Actress. With her latest feature, A Beautiful Day In TheNeighborhood, Heller continues to impress as a director. She clearly has a lot of admiration for Mr. Rogers as he is shown in a positive light. I think that this is a great tribute to the late presenter as it shows audiences, who aren’t familiar with him, why he was so beloved. At first, Mr. Rogers is shown from Vogel’s point of view and he struggles to understand why he’s so popular. A scene shows him watching a recording of an episode where Mr. Rogers is hiding behind a set and pretending to be a puppet, a bear named Daniel. While the young viewers watching at home will be focused on Daniel, Vogel’s focus is on Mr. Rogers. I liked this scene as it showed the puppet of Daniel from two different perspectives, that of a child and an adult. Over the course of the film, Vogel warms to Mr. Rogers and the two end up forming a friendship.

While I thoroughly enjoyed A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, I think it will be enjoyed more by people who grew up watching Mister Roger’s Neighborhood as they’ll feel nostalgic when watching it. To create an authentic recreation of the television series, the crew consulted with the original crew members and also brought in the same broadcast cameras and monitors used in the original production. Filming also took place in Fred Rogers Studio at WQED (TV) where the late television host recorded Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. This is an impressive aspect of A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. 

Most films that are released only appeal to certain viewers of a specific age group, however, I think that A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is one of those films that can be enjoyed by anyone. Adults will feel nostalgic when watching it and children will also find the character of Mr. Rogers amusing.

While A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood can be described as a feel good film, Heller doesn’t shy away from the saddest aspects of Vogel’s life, including his  conflict with his father and struggle to show emotions. Those who grew up watching Mr Rogers will know that he told children that it’s okay to feel sad and be emotional at times. Something Vogel has difficulty doing is showing his emotions and opening up to Mr Rogers, who wants to help Vogel fix the relationship with his father. Because of the presenter, Vogel and Jerry are able to forgive each other and finally repair their relationship before the latter dies. Those who can relate to Vogel may be encouraged to fix their own relationship with family members they’ve fallen out with. The later scenes that focus on Vogel and his dying father are moving.

Because I’m in my early twenties, I had no idea who Mr. Rogers was, however, you don’t need to know who he is in order to enjoy A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, a heartwarming film that will leave you with a smile on your face and tears in your eyes.

7/10