7/7/18 - Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018) - 8+/9-/10

What an easy movie to fall in love with. So magically captures the esprit de corps of Rogers childhood devotees along with his ethos and his connection to the heart of each delicate loving child inside us all. Finely edited and crafted together, with the show’s history, clips, interviews, and an ingenious and marvelous animated pseudo-inner monologue to better illustrate, pun intended. This is an enchantingly romantic glimpse into the glorious world of a man of seemingly unmatched heart and goodness.

The film, as entity, is so personable. So true to the empathetic icon himself, it just welcomes you in for a quiet and thoughtful conversation. The film is buoyant and absorbing, smartly weaving in history, emotion, and harsh realities but with contemplation and purpose. Technically, it never wows or flashes, but it uses its elements beyond well. It never feels trapped by its format or a servant to the archival footage. Rather, the poignant mixtures of elements and purposeful messaging behind each cinematic thrust impresses upon the viewer the naturalness of the film. An emotional and cinematic Pole Star, guiding its passenger into the harbors of truth and righteousness.

I would implore you to see this sense of hope and joy made manifest on screen for yourself. Funny, loving, interesting and heart melting (the next step up from warming). You will leave with hope in your soul and dust in your eyes.