A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Tom Hanks has built a career unlike anyone else. The inherent good, "everyman" nature he has imbued not only in his work, but also in his life as a celebrity, has made him, in the eyes of many, a global treasure. It's only apt then that he portrays one of history's nicest humans, Mister Rogers.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is not a biopic about Rogers, but more an ode to his legacy. Based on a true story, the film follows a hard-hitting journalist (Matthew Rhys), who is given the assignment to profile Rogers. He soon finds himself sucked into an uncanny friendship that may help him tackle his own demons.

Marielle Heller, who directed the excellent Can You Ever Forgive Me?, has made a wonderfully understated film, reflective of Rogers himself. It’s a film about human connection and kindness. The show recreations are cute, but moreover well contrasted to the raw drama.

It's hard to picture anyone else but Hanks playing Mister Rogers (turns out Hanks is his sixth cousin!). His natural aura is a perfect fit. However, Hanks casts a spell every time he's on screen. He never falls into mimicry and treats the role with genuine tenderness. Rhys holds his own and makes for a solid dramatic counterweight for the story.

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is a touching tribute to a man who was the definition of goodness. It might make you cry, it might inspire you to be better.