Our movie today is inspired by the true story of Fred Rogers, star of Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood, a beloved children’s show that ran for thirty three years.
The movie opens just as the TV show did, a camera panning thru the make believe neighborhood followed by Mr Rogers entering singing “It’s a Beautiful day in The Neighborhood” hanging up his jacket, zipping up his sweater, and changing into his sneakers. He introduces us to a picture board and reveals the photos, one being his new friend Lloyd Vogel. Lloyd’s face is bruised and sports a small cut on his nose. Fred tells us Lloyd is angry, and the way to release anger is forgiveness “which is a decision a person makes to release anger.”
We leave Mr Roger’s Neighborhood and are introduced to Lloyd who is receiving an award at the 1998 National Magazine Writer’s Awards. We quickly discover where the facial bruises and cuts come from. Lloyd and his estranged father come to blows at a family wedding. Lloyd can’t forgive his father for deserting him and his mother who was ill, and whom ultimately dies a horrible death.
Lloyd, a writer with a reputation of portraying his subjects harshly, is soon tasked by his editor to write a four hundred-word essay for Esquire magazine’s “Hero Edition”. Due to his reputation, only one of the “hero subjects” agrees to be interviewed by Lloyd, that being Fred Rogers. Lloyd is not a happy camper, as he is an investigative reporter and finds this assignment misplaced. His editor basically tells him suck it up, his reputation is driving this, and get it done.
Andrea, Lloyd’s wife, begs Lloyd “don’t ruin my childhood” when told he would be interviewing Mr. Rogers. Soon, off Lloyd goes to Pittsburg, where Mr. Rogers is filmed. Bill, the director of Fred’s show, knows of Lloyd’s reputation and is so concerned, he gives Fred everything that Lloyd had previously written, in hopes Fred won’t agree to the interview. But, just the opposite occurs, as Fred sees the truth behind Lloyd’s writing, which is anger.
Soon, Fred is telling Lloyd of how he held a lot of anger himself when he was younger, and still has angry moments. However, he tells Lloyd “there is always something you can do with the mad that you feel” bang on a piano, swim, pound on modeling clay, write down your thoughts or pray are some examples.
While watching a taping of the show, Mr Rogers fumbles while trying to assemble a tent. Filming is cut, and the director suggests pre-setting the tent. Fred, declines the offer, and surprises the crew and Lloyd, when he states the shot is perfect and they should move on in the filming. Lloyd asks why keep the shot, when it shows him fumbling. Fred replies, it is good for children to see that adults fail and it’s okay.
The movie continues with a deepening of the connection between Fred and Lloyd and how that helps to heal the relationship between Lloyd and his father. This is not a biography about Fred Rogers; Lloyd’s family dynamic is front and center. However, Lloyd is seen as an example of what can happen to an adult when they grow up damaged and lacking emotional support. Which is the very thing Mr Roger’s Neighborhood strives to give its young viewers.
At one point, Bill the director says to Lloyd about Fred “He loves everyone, but really likes people like you.” Lloyd himself fills in the blank when he says to Fred “You like me because I’m broken”
Wonderful scene when Lloyd and Fred are at a restaurant having lunch. Lloyd observes Fred eating, and asks, “Are you a vegetarian?” Fred’s response is “I can’t imagine eating anyone with a mother.” It’s here at the restaurant, Fred asks Lloyd to take just one minute, and think about the people who “have loved him in life” (or something to that affect) Lloyd at first refuses but then agrees. The restaurant grows totally silent, the camera starts to focus just on Fred’s eyes, (the theatre was absolutely silent) and in that minute Lloyd has an awakening. The minute passes, the restaurant noises return, and Fred thanks Lloyd for trusting in him. What a powerful scene. I even heard a bit of sniffling from the guys (yes men) sitting behind me in the theatre.
There are a few inserts of interviews Fred conducted with Oprah and Arsenio Hall. Loved the one with Arsenio when he offers the wisdom “appreciate children for what they are, not for what they will be”
So many quips of wisdom: “Anything mentionable is manageable” “To die is to be human” “Fame is a four letter word” “Scared leads to angry”
Loved that the miniature sets of the original neighborhood and adjourning towns, weren’t “updated” via CGI to have today’s perfect look. It’s just as cheesy and has a distinct arts and crafts look to it.
Tom Hanks portrayal of Fred Rogers is amazing. He totally captures Mr. Rogers slow and welcoming speech pattern. His mannerisms, the shoes, sweater, manipulating and voicing the puppets, just magic.
A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood is a feel good sentimental story, that doesn’t disappoint. You will leave feeling uplifted and a bit nostalgic and wanting for a Mr Rogers role model for today’s children A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood is rated A, well worth a full price ticket purchase. And here’s something you haven’t heard often from me, I will rent this from Red Box when it’s available. Seeing this once is not enough. Don’t leave right away when the credits begin, as we are treated to how the miniaturized sets were developed and placed, and we are treated to the real Mr Rogers, singing, in his neighborhood.
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