Must Watch Alert! A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is as Beautiful as it Sounds!

Based on the Esquire magazine article “Can You Say… Hero?”, Marielle Heller’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a tale of, friendship, bonding, humanity and life. Standing true to its caption it really is “a story of kindness we need right now”. Matthew Ryhs’ Llyod Vogel is a journalist with many issues who approaches life in a very pessimistic and skeptical way. His outlook starts changing when he is sent to profile the famous American television personality, Mr. Rogers by his magazine.

(Image: © Sony Pictures Releasing)

 

The acting legend Tom Hanks delivers a terrific and heartfelt performance as Fred Rogers who is an empathetic, kind and loving kids television program host. Honestly, who else could have portrayed such a perfect character than Mr. Perfectionist himself and he is so believable as Mr. Rogers. It is one of those performances which make you go – “Oh look, Tom Hanks has done it again!” Though he plays a supporting role, he is the absolute highlight of this film and will definitely steal your hearts, just like he did in his last film and the one before it…. and the one before that one and I could go on ranting about how good Hanks is but let’s move forward now.

 

Mr. Perfectionist as Mr. Rogers (Image: © Sony Pictures Releasing)

 

Since the genre of the film is not that of mystery or thriller, it relies on wonderful performances and a brilliantly articulated script. The dialogues of the film are so powerful and inspiring that they will make you think and introspect, even if for a few minutes. Since the film is about Mr. Rogers, it never looses its child like innocence while dealing with complex and weighty matters at the same time.

Matthew Ryhs has also delivered a very solid performance and carried his character pretty well. I would also go as far as to say that this is his best performance after The Americans (2013 – 2018) till date! Chris Cooper also showcases a powerful and heart-warming performance and Susan Watson makes the best out of the little role she was offered. But just as I mentioned above, it is Hanks who outshines everyone and everything in this film.

(Image: © Sony Pictures Releasing)

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will teach you numerous life lessons in a very delightful and captivating manner. Also, Nate Heller’s beautiful and soothing background score as well as film’s songs will enthral you and take you back to your childhood. Another thing I’d like to appreciate about this film is its immensely creative establishing shots and a very distinct editing style.

Establishing Shots Like the Actual Show (Image: © Sony Pictures Releasing)

 

One of the most important aspects the film wants to highlight is that in this cruel and dark world, there are still some pure hearted people who work towards the common good and those who aren’t, always have a hope for improvement. It is a thought provoking film which has a lot to say and it becomes a must watch for all as Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood of make belief is all set transport you to an idealistic and virtuous world!