A Reel Review: A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

There is no doubt that children’s television legend (Mr.) Fred Rogers was a hero to more than one generation. Compassion and kindness poured out of him in such genuine fashion that he was almost too good to be true. We all want to believe that it wasn’t an act, but what if it wasn’t? That is the question posed by a troubled writer in Marielle Heller’s A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), is given the assignment of interviewing and profiling Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks), for a “heroes” expose for Esquire magazine. Lloyd is skeptical of Rogers, but as the two men get to know each other, Lloyd finds solace in his troubles, which includes his new fatherhood and his rocky relationship with his father Jerry (Chris Cooper). 

The standard biographical film, or biopic, usually picks a character and follows their life from beginning to end. BEAUTIFUL DAY thankfully and mercifully bypasses all that and chooses to instead focus on one minor, yet important slice in the life of Fred Rogers. The film takes place after Rogers has been on the air for decades and he is already a legend, known by just as many adults as children. Lloyd comes into the story carrying a lot of baggage, with his relationship with his often-drunk dad ending in fistfights, and coming to grips with being a new father himself. 

The bulk of the story deals with Lloyd and Rogers trying to get through each other’s think outer-shells. Lloyd is guarded, and Rogers himself is a tough nut to crack. Lloyd however is something that Rogers loves; a broken thing in need of kindness…and that eventually leads to the two men opening up. Lloyd’s cynicism is explored, as is what makes Rogers tick…and the film becomes an intimate character piece. 

Director Marielle Heller makes the brilliant move of structuring her film just like a typical episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. The opening sequence is filmed perfectly, and the film transitions from scene to scene using the old models that the show used so well. Even the Picture Picture is used to show us how magazines are put together in a lovely touch. Some may be frustrated to see that Mr. Rogers is not the focus of the film, and he often ducks out of it for long periods of time. BEAUTIFUL DAY instead wants to tell the story of Lloyd and his father, which can be an issue because Jerry is written very one-dimensional. 

Acting is wonderful. Tom Hanks captures all of Fred Rogers’ mannerisms perfectly. Matthew Rhys is a jerk for most of the film and its hard to care about him, but he plays the part very well. Chris Cooper is magnificent as always, and Susan Kelechi Watson as Lloyd’s wife also very good. 

At only 107 minutes, BEAUTIFUL DAY flies by. It’s tight and brisk with very little excess, but it does make every minute count…especially the finale which will bring waterfalls of emotion. Just like Mr. Rogers did himself, the film’s message of kindness and empathy strikes a chord and strikes well…making for a wonderful big-screen experience. 

BOTTOM LINE: See it