After many years of not seeing Mister Rogers, he has finally returned to the screen, but this time, it’s a movie about the childhood hero, titled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

At first I was reluctant to go because I knew little about Rogers but once in the movie, I didn’t want to leave. For those of you who don’t know, Rogers was known in the 70s as the man who made preschool shows about the different things that happen in life. Not only did he talk about the good aspects of life, but he also covered the hard topics which was a refreshing reality for young children.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is about a young journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) who has to write a story on Rogers (Tom Hanks) and is reluctant at first, but ends up forming a friendship he never thought he needed. Rogers eventually becomes a mentor to him and the friend that Lloyd confides in, allowing him to dig away at his past and create a better future.

My favorite thing about this movie is the way it pays homage to Rogers and his reputation. I love the way it encompasses that Rogers’ personality on television was the same personality he took on in real life. His positive outlook and understanding of people’s troubles proves why he is an American favorite.

The thing that shocked me about this movie was that it was based off of a true story. Tom Junod is a writer for the Atlantic and is the person the movie is inspired by. This inspiring story of overcoming your troubles and challenges serves as the perfect way to mend the issues in your past and start a better future.

Rogers teaches in the movie to not allow the problems in your past to control your future and I think that is something we all should live by in this day and age. Rogers may be gone, but the impact he made on people will last forever.