Release Date: January 31st 2020 

In 1998, journalist Tom Junod was assigned by his Esquire magazine editor to conduct a written profile of cherished TV personality Fred Rogers. As a result the article, namely published ‘Can You Say… Hero?’ became one of the writers most noticeable works, but what’s all the more striking is Junod’s claim that his encounters with Rogers were powerful enough to personally change his perspective on life. 

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, starring Tom Hanks as the charming Mr. Rogers, and, Matthew Rhys as jaded journalist, Lloyd Vogel, is a drama directly inspired by these events. The story is partially presented to us in the form of a feature length episode of ‘Mister Rogers Neighbourhood.’ Its biggest strength being the lovingly recreated TV set, from director Marielle Heller, who made the artistic decision to shot to the shows original specifications on vintage cameras, giving these segments of the film a brilliant authentic feel. From the get-go, Hanks performance here is charming, warm and welcoming. Something that’s soon stripped away as we’re introduced to Lloyd’s all the more grounded reality. 

Lloyd Vogel is a gifted, successful writer and a new-found father to a healthy baby boy. He’s also an undeniable cynic, something that stems from a harsh fallout with his own absent father (Chris Cooper) that accumulated after his mother’s death. For Lloyd, this attitude is permeating its way into his professional life under the guise of an ever worsening reputation. He’s nothing but skeptical upon being tasked to compose a 400 word profile on America’s beloved children’s TV presenter, labelling the assignment as simple fluff journalism, insisting that he only covers the serious stuff. 

Surprisingly for him though, getting to know Fred Rogers is what causes the journalist’s reluctance to dissolve and evidently allows him to open-up, grow, and, mend what’s fractured. 

Slowly witnessing this change of heart is the emotional crux here, and, while affecting, its not enough to pull the film above anything but average. If emotion and all-round well delivered performances pull the feature up, the sometimes punishingly slow pacing is what drags it back down. While the TV stations studio set is an astonishing technical achievement, the constant runtime shift between vintage and modern is jarring, overall affecting the plot in a disjointed manner. Something that’s best demonstrated in an outlandish fever dream experienced from Lloyd during the second act.

This is a film that’s also extremely over sentimental at times, though that doesn’t take away from the wonderful job it does of encapsulation compassion, connection, and, kindness. While it will must likely only hold the deepest meaning for those who grew up watching Mr. Rogers in their homes, it still remains impactful. 

Despite its flaws, A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood is very human. Enough to warm your heart a little, and, sometimes that’s just what we need. 

What do you think of A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Movie Review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood  appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

But if Christmas isn’t your thing, don’t worry because there’s plenty of other movies for you to watch! The Irishman, starring Robert De Niro, and The King, starring Timothée Chalamet, will also premiere on Netflix.

As for the big screen, November brings the adaptation of Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep, the sequel to Frozen, a new Charlie’s Angels, and Tom Hanks taking on the role of Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood! There’s also a big cast starring in Knives Out, Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen star in The Good Liar, the story of Harriet Tubman is explored in Harriet, and John Cena plays a firefighter in Playing With Fire.

Last Christmas

Kate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Her last date with disaster? That of having accepted to work as Santa’s elf for a department store. However, she meets Tom there. Her life takes a new turn. For Kate, it seems too good to be true. Starring Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians).

The Irishman | Trailer

A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa. Starring Robert De Niro (Goodfellas), Al Pacino (The Godfather), and Joe Pesci (Goodfellas).

Doctor Sleep

Based on the novel by Stephen King, years following the events of The Shining, a now-adult Dan Torrance meets a young girl with similar powers as his and tries to protect her from a cult known as The True Knot who prey on children with powers to remain immortal. Starring Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge), Rebecca Ferguson (The White Queen), and Jacob Tremblay (Room).

Let It Snow

Based on the novel by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, Let It Snow is set in a small town on Christmas Eve where a snowstorm brings together a group of young people. Starring Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Jacob Batalon (Spider-Man: Homecoming), and Odeya Rush (Lady Bird).

Frozen II

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, and Evan Rachel Wood.

Noelle | Trailer

Santa’s daughter finds herself having to take over the family business. Starring Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect), Bill Hader (Barry), Billy Eichner (American Horror Story), and Shirley MacLaine (Steel Magnolias).

Charlie’s Angels

When a young systems engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, Charlie’s Angels are called into action, putting their lives on the line to protect us all. Starring Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Naomi Scott (Aladdin), and Ella Balinska (The Athena).

Lady and The Tramp | Trailer

An upper-middle-class American cocker spaniel named Lady and a street-smart, stray schnauzer called Tramp embark on many adventures. Featuring the voices of Tessa Thompson (Thor: Ragnarok), Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), Sam Elliott (A Star Is Born), and Janelle Monáe (Hidden Figures).

The King

Hal, wayward prince and heir to the English throne, is crowned King Henry V after his tyrannical father dies. Now the young king must navigate palace politics, the war his father left behind, and the emotional strings of his past life. Starring Timothée Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name), Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby), and Robert Pattinson (Twilight).

A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood | Trailer

Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. Starring Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump) and Matthew Rhys (The Americans).

Knives Out

A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family. Starring Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), Chris Evans (Captain America), and Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why).

Klaus | Trailer

A simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg’s new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions. Featuring the voices of J.K. Simmons (Counterpart) and Jason Schwartzman (The Darjeeling Limited).

The Good Liar

Career con artist Roy Courtnay can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life. Starring Helen Mirren (The Queen) and Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings).

Holiday In The Wild | Trailer

Jilted by her husband on the eve of embarking on an African safari, a woman travels to the continent alone where she meets a elephant conservationist. Starring Kristin Davis (Sex and the City) and Rob Lowe (Brothers and Sisters).

Harriet

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Starring Cynthia Erivo (Bad Times At The El Royale), Janelle Monáe (Hidden Figures), and Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton).

Playing With Fire | Trailer

A crew of rugged firefighters meet their match when attempting to rescue three rambunctious kids. Starring John Cena (Bumblebee), Keegan-Michael Key (Friends From College), John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge), and Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool).

What movie are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

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