"A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood" Review - Your New Guardian

There’s a great simplicity that can come in making something impactful; whether it’s by thinking or doing, and there probably wasn’t a more simpler figure than the great Fred Rogers. It still amazes me how much of a massive figure he is to millions of people; yet everything he did from his kids’ show, to his actions, to his overly positive views, was crafted so simple beyond words. Yet here we are with what is now two movies about his life hanging n a time where someone like him is desperately needed. There’s a good reason why a film hadn’t been made about him yet. It’s because the main character in a story is supposed to have conflicts, be misunderstood, be an outsider to the normal world. Mr. Rogers was none of those things. Thus, “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” is the next best option, and boy what a hell of an option it is.

This film takes place in one part of Fred’s life, and the focus is on a troubled journalist who’s assigned to profile him on a piece about heroes. Sounds simple you say? Not in this case. The script and story is written as if it’s right out of a 1940s movie, echoing tones that really reminded me of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Thankfully, the nightmares Lloyd (the journalist) goes through are not as scary as Jimmy Stewart’s character, but the way his story progresses and how his life was changed by Mr. Rogers is something truly to behold. One minute, you’re smiling and laughing at how beautiful this fantasy is, and the next you’re in a puddle of tears as you weep for Lloyd’s life and bow to how wonderful the man behind the screen is. This story was probably the best way to highlight Fred’s heroic ways of thinking. If you really want to watch a film about his life, then you have to go rent “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” which is also beyond fantastic. In fact, you can feel echoes of that documentary throughout this cinematic journey, but don’t worry. All those little facts you already know are simply sprinkles to a much more captivating book.

Perhaps the bigger credit though goes to the director Marielle Heller. In a time where woman either are not getting enough or not getting the right projects to get Oscar buzz, here is someone special that stands out. She honestly needed some Oscar love after “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” last year, but let’s hope “Beautiful Day” is the one that will finally get the world’s attention. Her directing is spectacular in the most mysterious and mind-blowing ways. You can see the way she crafts the TV world and the real world through the aspect ratios, the angles, the acting, pretty much everything. When both these worlds are blended, it feels like you’re given a whole plate of the best chocolate cake in history. I don’t want to spoil too much of what you’re going to see, but let’s just say you will be transported to somewhere truly special.

Like I said, “Beautiful Day” is simplistic, but it’s as if you’re watching an old time masterpiece being reborn in a new decade. It will make you weep and carry your jaw back up to your mouth all at the same time. The only horrible thing about it is the Oscar I desperately wanted Willam Dafoe to have for “The Lighthouse”, he is sadly not going to get. It’s going to Tom Hanks, even though he has two in his pocket already. But is there anything I really need to say about Tom Hanks? You’ve seen the trailers, you know how he’s going to do. The movie’s level of greatness rises to Tom Hanks’ acting capabilities. Trust my word. This film is truly deserving of that kind of honor.

Two Nebs Up!