A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood Review

Audiences expecting director Marielle Heller's new film about Fred Rogers, A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, to be an in-depth biopic on the adored children's show host will surely be surprised at the perspective that writers Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster have chosen. Fortunately for all involved, the riskier approach to highlighting the notorious kindness and philosophies of Mr. Rogers rewards far more than it falters. Creative direction and inspiring production design help elevate Tom Hanks' portrayal of Fred Rogers into a figure that feels remarkably sincere and larger than life, resulting in an affectionate and active journey full of endearing thematic elements.

Investigative journalist Lloyd Vogel receives an assignment outside of his usual war and crime-related pieces, to write a short profile on children's show host Fred Rogers. Vogel views this assignment pessimistically, assuming that Mr. Rogers is no real hero and is, in fact, purely an act for television. But as Lloyd progresses through his article, the pure generosity and kindness of Rogers slowly affect his cynical and bitter views about the world around him, acting as enlightenment to his mentality that helps heal and forgive aspects of his life and past.

Hanks is an instant stand out among the cast, capturing the tenderness and openness of Rogers beautifully. Although he acts as more of a side character within the narrative structure, the writing and execution in visual storytelling always manage to cleverly involve Rogers in some way. Those familiar with Fred Rogers’ show will surely enjoy the production design that accompanies A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood. Using the television show as a way to transition between acts is one of many intelligent and nostalgic ways that the film pays homage to a world that Fred helped create.

While Hanks and his portrayal of Rogers is an endless source of entertainment and interest, the same level of results cannot be applied to the rest of the cast. The performances are pristinely acted, but there are moments throughout the film that feel formulaic and lack the level of intrigue that’s present when Hanks is on screen. While these scenes are few and far between, the dramatic bends that the story takes can sometimes seem predictable and take away from the performances because of it.

Overall, the apparent care that Heller, Hanks, and the rest of the cast and crew have embedded in this project is evident and pays off remarkably. Full of heartwarming narrative themes and creative production, A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood proves as an entertaining and joyous film that serves as a great reminder to the generosity and outgoing courageousness that Mr. Rogers gave to the world.

Tom Hanks' embodiment of Fred Rogers helps drive Marielle Heller’s creative and original perspective on his life, impact, and legacy.

Produced By: TriStar Pictures
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rating: PG