AMAZING MOVIE; fabulous acting! I hope you will see it.
Thanks, Debbie, for inviting me to the movie. I was impressed beyond words! I had never really considered seeing it but, then again, I didn't really know what it was about. It wasn't just a portrayal of a children's classic daytime television program or its most beloved neighborhood star. It was based on a true story about a hatchet journalist who tried to destroy Mister Rogers because he thought he was too phony in his "niceness" and concern for others.
Mister Rogers was based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.
Tom Junod's article about Mister Rogers was originally published in the November 1998 issue of Esquire Magazine, for which he, evidently, won an award. The movie tells his story as a jaded journalist (played by Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) who was assigned to do a profile on Fred Rogers. But, as was Mister Roger's intuitive way, he penetrated this emotionally-injured journalist's skepticism, and taught him about genuine kindness, forgiveness, and compassion.
Speaking of jaded, no surprise some reports cited 20% of Hollywood critics hated the movie.
How does anyone even hate a movie about sincerity and decency? But the website, Rotten Tomatoes, polled 277 critics, and 95% of them provided a positive review. Of 11,015 audience-goers, 92% offered up rave reviews, and even Mister Roger's real-life fans (and widow) expressed approval in the presentation of this iconic character.
What can we learn from Mister Roger's timeless example?
A ray of sunshine in our often dark & divided environment:
Mr. Knost's message encourages me. I think the healer in all of us is called to light the world with goodness and love. It only takes a smile or concerned word to brighten one's day. Some would say this philosophy is sappy but the truth is that everyone needs love and kindness, maybe now more than ever. So, I say, thank you, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, for the reminder of Mister Roger's legacy, which will live on to inspire many generations to come.
I highly recommend the movie, when it comes to Netflix, if it has already left a theater near you. I believe it will motivate you with its charm and optimism, and energize you in your travels along the road of success. Happy 2020! (I can still say that until the end of January :-), right?)
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