"It's You I Like"- Mr. Rogers

Hey everyone,

I don’t blog near as often as I’d like to. I realized it’s not necessary to speak if I don’t have anything to say. However, I just got back from an incredible movie and need to share the joy, nostalgia and beauty.

I eagerly anticipated the release of “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” with Tom Hanks. I grew up watching some quality PBS! Sesame Street (back in the day when Mr. Hooper died, “oh, and it wasn’t on HBO”), Lamb Chop’s Play-Along, Arthur, Wishbone, Reading Rainbow, and of course-- though not on PBS but still a massive staple in my life and career, Sharon Lois & Bram’s The Elephant Show on Nickelodeon.

I still have the newspaper clippings of when Mr. Fred Rogers, Shari Lewis, and Lois Lilienstein all passed away from different types of cancer. This movie brought up some insane emotions I wasn’t personally ready for. It brought up nostalgia and brought back memories I had long forgotten or hadn’t yet attacked in my life.

Without giving anything away, this movie, based on a true story, took us on a journey through realization, healing acceptance and with the help of Tom Hanks playing the iconic Mister Rogers, it taught us how to deal with our feelings. Release them. Let them go. Attack them head on. Just like a real life episode of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”.

Many people over the years have wondered what’s the big deal with Mr. Rogers? While others have called it hokey and unrealistic, this movie has proved otherwise. It goes to show how impactful Mr. Rogers was then and in his resurgence, posthumously. I firmly believe that he’s looking down very proud of this product.

As my insanely talented friend Ben and I, entered the theatre for our 10:30pm showing......well past my bedtime, the theatre was not very full. Slowly but surely, as the credits started wrapping up and the lights dimmed, people of all age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds filled the theatre. That alone should show the impact Mr. Rogers has had on families and individuals.