"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" Stars Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers

Fred Rogers, a.k.a. was a beacon of kindness, compassion and inspiration who impacted multi-generations with a covenant of caring.  "Won't You be My Neighbor" is the PBS doc. on Fred Rogers that came out earlier this year and is something to cheer about.  What more could a film offer than this heartwarming and inspiring doc?  It turns out this film portrays Mr. Rogers from the perspective of a cynical, embittered journalist transformed into a more understanding & accepting person supported by Rogers' proffered friendship.  Artistic license plied onto a moving & credible script is based on the real relationship between Fred (Tom Hanks) and journalist Tom Junod.  The script uses the pseudonym Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) for Junod.   Noah Harpster & Michah Fitzerman-Blue clever screenplay and magical art direction by George Weimerskirch created a more profound movie going experience than I could've imagined.  Vogel, known for his character assassin interviews is assigned to do a "puff piece" on Mr. Rogers much to his chagrin.  Nonetheless, Rogers' sincerity, focus and sage responses to Vogel melts the most incredulous cynic into a marshmallow.  I'm not referring to just Vogel whose backstory of family bitterness is a lot to chew.  I'm talking about me and you, NYC subway riders and the whole neighborhood shebang.  Hanks, Rhys and the masterful cast including Chris Cooper & Susan Kelechi Watson are just wonderful.  If this movie doesn't move you - you're in the wrong movie.  You're entitled to your feelings but I suggest instead "Maleficent" because your heart must be FROZEN.  Fred Rogers' legacy inspires us to be kind and reminds us "We were children once." Rogers' inimitable sagacity is for all ages, "Parents get a new chance to grow."  See "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."   Whether it wins an Oscar doesn't matter.  It's a winning morality lottery ticket.