I never watched Fred Rogers on TV when I was a child, but I’m sure I would have benefitted from the experience. This film is an unusual biopic because Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) isn’t the main character in the movie. We learn about Mr. Rogers indirectly via the way he relates to a journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys – “The Americans”). The film is based on the November 1988 “Esquire” magazine article “Can You Say…Hero?” by Tom Junod.
Lloyd is an irritable, walled-off, cynical man who is given an assignment by his editor to write a superficial piece about Mr. Rogers. Lloyd is an investigative reporter and he balks at the task, but the editor leaves him no choice. Lloyd has significant unresolved conflicts, especially with his father, Jerry (Chris Cooper). Lloyd suspects that Mr. Rogers has a dark side and he seems determined to expose it in his piece.
The acting by Rhys and Hanks is first-rate, although Rhys has a much bigger part. His performance is excellent, although I doubt he will receive an AA nomination. The film is in my Top 20, but it isn’t quite good enough to make the Top 10.
I never watched Fred Rogers on TV when I was a child, but I'm sure I would have benefitted from the experience. This film is an unusual biopic because Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) isn't the main character in the movie. We learn about Mr. Rogers indirectly via the way he relates to a journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys – "The Americans"). The film is based on the November 1988 "Esquire" magazine article "Can You Say...Hero?" by Tom Junod. Lloyd is an irritable, walled-off, cynical man who is given an assignment by his editor to write a superficial piece about Mr. Rogers. Lloyd is an investigative reporter and he balks at the task, but the editor leaves him no choice. Lloyd has significant unresolved conflicts, especially with his father, Jerry (Chris Cooper). Lloyd suspects that Mr. Rogers has a dark side and he seems determined to expose it in his piece. The acting by Rhys and Hanks is first-rate, although Rhys has a much bigger part. His performance is excellent, although I doubt he will receive an AA nomination. The film is in my Top 20, but it isn't quite good enough to make the Top 10.
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood: Not All Sunshine!
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood: Not All Sunshine!
2019-12-23
David
80
8
Fine Acting By Hanks and Rhys!
User Rating : No Ratings Yet !
8
