Review of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) by Bhbarry — 23 Nov 2019

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” stars Tom Hanks, Mathew Rhys (“The Americans”) and Chris Cooper in this film directed by Marielle Heller (“Can You Forgive Me”). The screenplay was written by Micah Fitzerman Blue and Noah Harpster based on a feature article by Tom Jurod that appeared in Esquire Magazine. Instead of simply creating a biodrama based on the life of the respected and beloved Fred Rogers, it tells the story of the special friendship between Mr. Rogers and the writer of the Esquire article and how the journalist/interviewer for the article became more its subject than its interviewee. This is a warm and beautiful film showing the special person Mr.Rogers was, the high standards and values he lived his life by and how he tried to impart and share them with each child in his audience as well as those in his everyday life. When I first saw the trailers and promos for the film, I was somewhat taken aback by the plastic smile that seemed to be painted on Mr. Hanks’ face as he tried so hard to emulate, imitate and capture the essence of the person he was portraying. However, in actually viewing the film, the power of Mr. Hanks performance overcame, for me at least, that small visual obstacle I thought I would be encountering which I guess is something that only great actors can accomplish. Mr. Hanks can be Forrest Gump, Sully or even a gay AIDS victim and still carry it off, no small feat when the image of the star playing the role is such a dominant presence..

I give this film an 9 for it not only captures the essence of its main character but allows the audience to gain knowledge and insight into the life of a very special human being.