Take Note

Every once in a while, a feel good movie is just what is needed. Like a hot cup of cocoa, it can warm the heart, enliven the spirit, and bring comfort to the troubled brain. Just what the doctor ordered this 2019, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, directed by Marielle Heller, reminds us just how important a man like Fred Rogers is – even eighteen years after his final episode aired (and sixteen years after his death).

Based upon the article “Can You Say… ‘Hero’?” by Tom Junod (published in the November 1, 1998 Esquire magazine), it is a story that juxtaposes the harsh realities of an embittered, emotionally angry investigative journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys – The Americans), with the kind-hearted soul of PBS childhood icon Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks), it just happens that Lloyd’s editor, Ellen (Christine Lahti), feels like it is the perfect time for the man to pull back on the reigns and do a lighter bio-piece on the beloved man.

Combative to the supposed fluff piece, Lloyd dives head first into the job, looking for a chink in the man’s benevolent, always giving persona. . . much to the chagrin of his wife Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson) – a vocal fan of the star, much like his editor, and pretty much anyone else he talks to.

Heading out to Pittsburgh – where the program is shot, he constantly prods (attempting to find an unexpected angle), yet he soon learns that this won’t be easy. . . as Mr. Rogers spends more time trying to delve into Lloyd’s deep-rooted pain and anguish than answering any questions the reporter aims at him.

Further complicating his life, Lloyd’s estranged father, Jerry (Chris Cooper), is trying to find his way back into his son’s stratosphere. . . though it seems like you would have a better chance bringing Pluto and the Sun together.

Yet, as things progress, Mr. Rogers, in his truly magical and gentle way, starts to have an effect on Lloyd, the journalist starting to understand why this man is so special to so many people. A moment of spontaneity on a subway will likely warm your heart as you watch this film.

As I sat in the theatre watching the movie, I got a little bit melancholic, for the world really misses someone like Mr. Rogers (and, for us Canadians growing up, we were lucky enough to have both Mr. Rogers and Ernie Coombs’ Mr. Dressup). He did not pander to the left or right, to any particular race or group of people. . . instead, he broke down barriers and united families and friends for an episode of wholesome entertainment – always speaking in simple terms to each and every person (explaining even the most difficult issues that children have to deal with), reminding us that everyone is special (including those who have caused strife in our past – as they have made us into the human beings we are today) – plus, it is important to note that Mr. Rogers always spoke to us (never at us), giving life lessons that are vital to be heard once more (for old and young alike).

Though Hanks does a solid job of capturing the affable gentleman, at times it does feel like we are watching Tom Hanks instead of Mr. Rogers. As the narrative moves along, things settle in though (and the characters grow into themselves), the threads coming together as the drama heightens and things wind to their inevitable conclusion. Perhaps one of the best moments is at the very end (for those watching closely – they will likely see it coming), it really captures the humanity and complexity of a man who always seemed to be at utter ease.

A most worthwhile watch at any time (but more importantly, in our current climate), A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will have lovely memories flooding back to you (and will hopefully create some wonderful new ones with younger families whose children have never had the privilege to meet Mr. Rogers – because, after all, we all truly felt like we knew him personally). It basks in the grace of a most special man, his warmth still emanating all these years later. Also worth mentioning, each location transition is accompanied by a scale model resembling Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make Believe (and, likewise, doing a splendid job of giving a backstage view of how the show was made). So, see this beautiful movie, it hits all the right notes (even the low ones).