A beautiful day in the neighborhood

I saw this today in The Lighthouse. I became aware of Fred Rodgers only last year due to that documentary that was made about him.

If I didn't know that backstory, while watching the film I would probably have expected some third act reveal that he is actually a total psycho hiding very dark secrets because his seemingly unlimited warmth, kindness and empathy seems too good to be true. But as the OP said, he was the real deal and Tom Hanks really does exude those qualities brilliantly through his performance.

It is interesting to note that Rogers is a supporting character in this story. It isn't his biopic. The movie is told from the perspective of a magazine writer sent to write about him. The movie sometimes feels like a soap opera type family drama that is grafted onto a story about Rogers.

So I liked all the parts about Rogers, the family drama stuff less so.

pinkypinky wrote: »

I'm curious to see how this will play outside the US. I'd never heard of this show or person until I saw a trailer for the film.

I thought the same - it's like when they release films about baseball here. I guess Hanks is a guarantee of a certain level of interest.

The recent Jim Carrey series "Kidding" was loosely based on Mr Rogers, but a very dark take on the idea.

I had never heard of Mr Rogers before this film but I have to say I loved it. His warmth and gentle nature excuded from the screen and an hr in I checked my watch and thought "oh no, it's going to be over soon". I'm not sure that's happened before.

I thought Tom Hanks did an excellent job, he really captured a sense of a character quite different to his own and us finding ourselves intrigued and beguiled by Mr Rogers was essential to the film working. I thought the story was told quite originally too. It could've seemed like a very flat,one toned affair as Mr Rogers played true to form all the way but I was surprised to find some of the slighty trippy puppet moments actually worked and lent it some unexpected creative feel. It might have seemed a bit fairytale and unlikely too but it was clear it wasn't a biopic, instead one mans impression of the time he spent with Mr Rogers so it was easier accept. It was a strangely effecting film and would agree with the previous poster that it was quite powerful in ways I couldn't compare to anything else I've seen. I found it very soothing and calming but thought provoking too, it would cause you to reflect on your own life.
Overall I thought it was really lovely. Definitely one to watch if you want some life affirming niceness.