Rogers’ Aura in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a heartwarming reminder of the simple kindness and hope of a children’s TV figure, Mister Rogers. As played by Tom Hanks (an Oscar caliber performance), he becomes more than myth, a living, caring soul for our times.

Opening with his PBS show in 1998, Mister Fred Rogers introduces us to Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a hard charging writer who reluctantly accepts a magazine assignment to interview Rogers. Lloyd is an angry, sad man who’s rocky relationship with his father (Chris Cooper) causes family tension.  As Rogers explores Lloyd’s internal conflict and emotional walls, what emerges is the truth about his past and the promise of reconciliation and love.  

Lloyd may be a broken man, but Rogers helps him heal.  In a way, Lloyd is our window to a magical, almost surreal world with its miniature sets, puppet friends, and musical cues. These shows become self-contained life lessons that act as a framework for individual stories. Although the show is aimed at children, it allows adults the opportunity to reconnect with their childhood.

Seeing Hanks as Rogers is a bit jarring at first, but then he totally becomes the icon.  Throughout the film, Rogers’ decency shines in its simplicity and patience.  He becomes more than a TV personality but rather a caring human being who sees value in every person, while sharing his own experiences about life and even death.  

There are nice moments including a subway ride with passengers serenading the Rogers’ theme song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” The film is about compassion and redemption ultimately resulting in a transformative experience. There is an infectious spirit and goodwill that lingers after the credits. Go see it.

**** of **** stars (for Rogers fans)

A Passion for Excellence in FORD V FERRARI

 

Energetically directed by James Mangold (Logan), Ford V Ferrari is a kinetic, true story of the trials and competition of being the best in car racing.

In the early sixties, former driver Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon is excellent) works behind the scenes as innovator of faster, more efficient race cars. Hired by Henry Ford II to beat rival and perennial winner, Ferrari, at the grueling 24 hour Le Mans race, Shelby enlists driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale totally winning) to design a better race car and lead his team to victory.  Shelby and Ford must contend with dangerous road tests, stiff competition from other car makers, and corporate meddling which culminates in a tense showdown at Le Mans racetrack.

The film conveys a fascinating history with real life figures like Lee Iacocca, and its narrative is propelled by the relationship of Shelby and Miles, two racing pioneers who fight, argue and bond over their quest for racing excellence.  Shelby, a maverick and hustler, knows he can deliver a championship if given support; his seemingly reckless demeanor belies automotive acumen. Miles is a temperamental driver who understands cars better than a computer.  Despite a lack of background on Shelby’s personal life, we see Miles in some touching moments with his wife and son.  

With memorable moments including a brotherly fist fight and a hilarious test drive with a Ford executive, the brilliantly staged racing scenes stand out. The film is a bit long like a Le Mans marathon, but camerawork, editing, and sound are exemplary for maximum effect and demand a big screen with optimal sound.  

Told with conviction, it’s an old fashioned film with heart about human ingenuity and the men and machines that fought for glory. 

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for racing enthusiasts)

War as Satire in JOJO RABBIT

Jojo Rabbit is an irreverent satire of Nazism in World War II by gifted writer/director Taika Waititi (Thor:Ragnarok). 

Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) is a German, ten year old boy being trained in Hitler’s Youth.  His mother (Scarlett Johansson) dotes over him while his secret friend, Adolph Hitler (Taika Waititi is a riot), at least in spirit (much like Elvis in True Romance), counsels him.  One day he discovers a Jewish girl, Elsa, hidden in his home by his mom. Try as he may, Jojo is not a soldier at heart and begins to question the persecution of Jews by the Nazis.  As the war winds down and desperation sets in, he must confront his deepest fears and humanity.

You care about Jojo, a lonely boy growing up in a world at war. The film, which balances a free spirit with the grim realities of war and racism, can be summarized in terms of Jojo and his evolving bonds among his mom (who teaches him about life), Elsa (who helps him discover love), and his imaginary friend, Adolph.  With sharp, amusing dialogue throughout that avoids falling into parody, there are effective, touching scenes highlighted by a tense visit from the Gestapo and a surreal climax.

The impeccable cast is led by Davis, Johansson (building an Oscar portfolio this year), Waititi, and Sam Rockwell, who shines in support as a Nazi officer. 

It’s a deceptively simple premise that never loses sight of the human cost of war as endured by Jojo and Elsa, and how, amid human persecution and evil, hope and good can come from the unlikeliest of places.  Not for all tastes, but if you are game for an offbeat, touching tale, this is a gem. 

***1/2 of **** stars (add 1/2* for fans of irreverence)

PARASITE and Living the Good Life

Don’t be misled by the title; Parasite, an original film by director/co-writer Bong Joon-Ho (Snowpiercer), is a fascinating suspense drama unlike any conventional story.

An unemployed family of con artists takes advantage of any opportunity including free Wi-Fi and more. One day, the son’s friend offers him a job to tutor a girl whose family lives in an upper class home complete with chauffeur and housekeeper. The son then exploits his relationship with the wealthy family particularly its trusting mother to benefit his own family members.  One family assimilates and becomes ensconced in another family’s lifestyle, but despite this golden opportunity, can something or someone trip them up and expose their illicit scheme? And what secrets might this house have that is unbeknownst to both families? It all culminates at a lavish party where tension and truth come to a head.

Essentially a methodical con game that gets flipped upside down, the film is a fascinating contrast in social classes and explores the facades that people display.  Ironically, this family with its larcenous vocation, watch over each other and has its own hopes and dreams amid hopeless surroundings. Part of the fun is watching how these opportunists manipulate the wealthy household, and you almost root for and care about these would be criminals to succeed.  This moral ambiguity smacks thematically of Alfred Hitchcock.

Well directed and acted, the film is beautifully shot and well-paced with a narrative that goes in unexpected directions while maintaining your attention. Audacious in spirit and remarkable in its simplicity, it is one of the most daring pieces of cinema in recent years.  Don’t let the Korean with English subtitles dissuade you. This captivating sleeper of the year will make noise come Oscar time.  

**** of **** stars