© 2024 KPCW

KPCW
Spencer F. Eccles Broadcast Center
PO Box 1372 | 460 Swede Alley
Park City | UT | 84060
Office: (435) 649-9004 | Studio: (435) 655-8255

Music & Artist Inquiries: music@kpcw.org
News Tips & Press Releases: news@kpcw.org
Volunteer Opportunities
General Inquiries: info@kpcw.org
Listen Like a Local Park City & Heber City Summit & Wasatch counties, Utah
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
KPCW sends its most discerning moviegoers to the movies each week to let you know which films are worth going to and which are a pass. The Friday Film Review airs at 7:20 a.m., during the Noon News and in The Local View. KPCW Friday Film Reviewers are: Barb Bretz, Rick Brough, Mark Harrington and Linda Jager.

Friday Film Review--A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

KPCW

Tom Hanks plays Mister Rogers in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.".  It was a powerful feeling for him to shoot at the original WQED studio in Pittsburgh. Hanks said, “When you put on that red sweater and blue shoes you might as well be putting on Batman's cape and cowl.” Barbara Bretz has the Friday Film Review.

I loved the Morgan Neville doc about Fred Rogers called "Won't You Be My Neighbor.". I was surprised to discover a drama "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood." was in progress.  Comparisons, although likely, are unnecessary; apples vs oranges or in the terminology of writing….showing verses telling.

For a deeper appreciation of the story, either before or after you see this film see the doc  and Google: 'Can You Say….Hero?' the cover story of the November 1998 edition of Esquire Magazine.

This article, written by journalist Tom Junod, known for his hit man-style celebrity expose's, inspired writers Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue in their decade long development of this film. Before anyone, including director Marielle Heller ("Diary of a Teenage Girl" and "Can You Ever Forgive Me") was attached to the project, Tom Hanks turned down the role. Once Heller was on, he reconsidered.

Often asked about the documentary, Heller called it 'a beautiful companion piece'. The doc, a factual chronology of Fred Rogers' life, career and accomplishments TELLS us who he was and what he did. This drama SHOWS us the impact a person like Fred Rogers has on the world in general and on one person specifically.

Matthew Rhys from the TV series 'The Americans' is authentic as Lloyd Vogel, a cynical journalist carrying a ton of emotional baggage to his interview with Mr. Rogers. Susan Kelechi Watson, Beth Pearson on TV's 'This is Us', is wife Andrea and Chris Cooper, Academy Award-winner for his role in 'Adaptation', is Lloyd's father….responsible for loading up all that emotional baggage.

Hanks did not transform physically, as they used only a wig and eyebrow extensions along with the famous red sweater and blue shoes but he channeled perfectly that calm and thoughtful persona who made every person feel valuable. Gayle King asked if playing the role changed him. Hanks recited one of the Mr Rogers quotes which appeared on the daily call sheet. “The 3 secrets of happiness are; to be kind, to be kind and to be kind.”

I'd seen Joanne Rogers, Fred's wife, in the doc and was sure I spotted her as an extra in the Chinese restaurant scene. I've since confirmed it. Scan the diners and look for the silver-haired lady in the black and blue dress.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"  is rated PG and runs for 1 hour 49 endearing minutes. As Mr. Rogers might say….I liked it as it was, exactly and precisely. I think it turned out nicely.  This is Barb Bretz with your Friday Film Review. See you at the movies!