A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Mr. Rogers is a fixture in many people's childhoods, both adults and children. Once upon a time, a journalist was hired to interview Mr. Rogers for his employer, Esquire magazine. The article, "Can You Say Hero?" became this film.

Tom Hanks plays Fred Rogers in this film. While he had the speech patterns and cadence, I could not suspend reality and pretend that he was Mr. Rogers. That being said, he was Tom Hanks playing Mr. Rogers, which wasn't as much an imitation as an embodiment.

The film isn't about Mr. Rogers, it's about the life of the journalist that was hired to interview Mr. Rogers, Lloyd Vogel, played in the film by Matthew Rhys. The real name of the journalist that wrote the article is Tom Junod.

Once you have seen the film, you might be curious to read the article. It can be found here:

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a27134/can-you-say-hero-esq1198/

Now streaming, available on DVD and Blu Ray, 5 stars.

Just Mercy

This film stars Michael B. Jordan in the role of Bryan Stevenson, lawyer and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.

In the film Stevenson visits several clients in prison for crimes they did not commit. His work, and the work of the EJI, is to provide legal help those who have received unjust prison sentences.

One of the clients Stevenson meets with is Walter McMillan, played by Jamie Foxx. In McMillan's case, a young woman was murdered at a dry cleaners. McMillan was pulled over by police and arrested for the crime, although he had absolutely nothing to do with the murder.

A wonderful companion piece to this film is the documentary "True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality." The documentary looks deeper into the McMillan case and others included in "Just Mercy."

Now streaming for free on every platform, "Just Mercy", 5 stars.

"True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality", in its entirety, free on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfZPl4CFEUc

Miles Davis-Birth of the Cool

This documentary that showcases the work and career of jazz legend Miles Davis.

In my university days I studied Music History and Literature, which is literally the history of music, from the earliest known music of homo sapiens all the way to pop music. I had studied the genre of jazz and had heard of Miles Davis; I knew he was a jazz artist, but very little else. I didn't know he had a career in music that spanned decades. 

It was fascinating to watch the film to hear and learn of the different incarnations and reinventions of his music.

While I do not personally enjoy jazz, I found it to be a fascinating documentary. With a background in music, it helped me understand the genius of Miles Davis and his music. He was a gifted artist, which is an understatement. While many can create music, very few can duplicate his genius. 

The film made me think of other geniuses in their fields, other visionaries in history. His talent and prodigious gifts ensure that Davis be known and remembered as a master at the craft and art of music. 

Now streaming on Netflix, four stars.

Becoming

This documentary followed former First Lady Michelle Obama as she toured the country on her book tour for her book "Becoming." It's a backstage look at what it takes to pull off a book tour, speaking engagements, book signings, lectures, meet and greets with fans.

Watching the film made me yearn for the time that the Obamas were in the White House. It is a bittersweet feeling, real.

The film shows many heartwarming moments, including Obama's interaction with young black girls. The way they look at her brings a tear to the eye. She is a role model for girls and women around the world.

Now streaming on Netflix, four stars.

They've Gotta Have Us

"They've Gotta Have Us" is a documentary about black film and film makers in America. 

The film "chronicles art, activism, and race in black cinema through in-depth interviews with some of Hollywood's most iconic voices."

Featured in the documentary are Harry Belafonte, Whoopi Goldberg, John Boyega, David Oyelowo, Lawrence Fishburne, Diahann Carroll and more. 

An amazing documentary that is well worth the time. Perfect for every cinephile. Now on Netflix, 5 stars.

 

The Half of It

Now on Netflix, "The Half of It" is a modern day retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac. The story involves Ellie, a brilliant but misunderstood student who lives with her Dad. Her next door neighbor, Paul, is a classmate of hers and works in his parent's butcher shop.

Ellie helps her father make a living by writing term papers for her fellow classmates. One day, Paul comes to Ellie to get her help with a writing assignment-a note to a girl she has a crush on.

A true love triangle which involves straight and queer characters. Now on Netflix, 4 stars.