Lessons learned from Fred Rogers and Carroll Shelby
Some believe that everyone is put on Earth for a specific purpose. Although many never find that purpose, Fred Rogers did.
Those with childhoods between the mid-’60s and late ’90s likely watched “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and learned crucial lessons on what their feelings meant.
The new movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” finds Tom Hanks in the role of our favorite neighbor. Often, a film based on a real celebrity tries to show us their alternate side. Rogers was the rare personality who actually brought his true self aonto the stage. Hanks fully inhabits the legendary presence, nailing all the mannerisms and gentle smiles along the way.
Matthew Rhys plays reporter Lloyd Vogel, tasked with writing a brief on Rogers. Bitter and cynical from family strife in his past, new father Lloyd clearly does not understand why he keeps going back for more time with Rogers. As their meetings continue, Rogers slowly gets Lloyd to open up.
Rogers wanted to use his program to reach every child he possibly could, however, this film is more about his impact on one man. Rogers was the type of person who would likely say that if he only reached one person in his 35 years on the air, it would still have been worth it. A-
Ford v Ferrari
If you’re looking for something with more action, opt for “Ford v Ferrari” – where director James Mangold trades in the guns for racecars. Mangold is no stranger to action sequences, from 2007’s “3:10 to Yuma” to 2017’s “Logan.”
In Mangold’s new film, Christian Bale gets behind the wheel as legendary racer Ken Miles. In the early 1960s, Miles’ long-time friend Carroll Shelby (a no-nonsense Matt Damon) is hired to help Ford beat Ferrari in the 24-hour Le Mans race. Miles is an excellent driver who realizes it’s time to give up the dream and focus on family, yet he finds it hard to do so when Shelby presents an employment opportunity.
A highlight of the film is Tracy Letts in the role of Henry Ford Jr. Letts delivers more in a few stoic facial expressions than some bigger actors do in an entire film. Known somewhat affectionately as “The Deuce,” Ford is ever overshadowed by his father and grandfather. Idea-man Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) convinces Ford that in order for the company to get out of the doldrums, they need to get into big-time racing and defeat the best.
Despite some unearned plot points, “Ford v Ferrari” is a highly enjoyable look back at an exciting time in the world of car racing. B+
Favorite 40 Films
As the decade comes to a close, I highlighted some of my favorite films. Here are 40 organized by genre:
“Lincoln,” “Spotlight,” “Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Favourite.”
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (1 and 2), “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Wonder Woman.”
“21 Jump Street,” “Lady Bird,” “Grand Budapest Hotel.”
“The John Wick Trilogy,” “Mission Impossible” (4, 5 and 6), “Green Room.”
“The Conjuring,” “Hereditary,” “Paranormal Activity,” “The Gift,” “It Comes at Night.”
“Roma,” “Florida Project,” “Room,” “Amour,” “Tree of Life,” “La La Land,” “Hell or High Water.”
“Inception,” “Interstellar,” “Gravity,” “Arrival.”
“Inside Out,” “How to Train Your Dragon” (the trilogy), “Toy Story” (3 and 4).
Jeff Mellinger is a screen writer and film buff. He holds a BA in Film Studies and an MFA in film production. Send email comments to editor@pioneerpublishers.com.