A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Tom Hanks plays the cherished American television icon Mister Rogers in this moving biographical story.
Thanks to his hugely popular children’s show, that ran from 1968 to 2001, Mister Rogers was considered a national treasure in the US. More than any children’s TV presenter, the charismatic Rogers had a knack for getting kids to talk about their feelings and other serious topics. One day, Esquire magazine appoints the hard-bitten journalist Lloyd Vogel to interview Rogers for a short article. At first he is cynical, but after several conversations he becomes intrigued by the calm, disarmingly idealistic Rogers.
Like Forrest Gump, Mister Rogers derives his status as a semi-mythical figure from his incredible innocence and flawlessness. In other words: it’s impossible not to like him. This generous character – much like in FORREST GUMP and THE TERMINAL – fits Tom Hanks like a glove. The same goes for Matthew Rhys in the role of tough journalist. One would expect thunder after a collision between these two counterparts, but the opposite is true – it turns out to be A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.