he general consensus from critics regarding the release of WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR, is that we, the audience, are in for a tender hearted experience that we haven't seen on a big screen in many moons and that we should have a kleenex ready. Having just seen the film, I'm going to have to agree that the documentary on the life and work of FRED ROGERS, the creator and host of the PBS classic children's show MR. ROGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD, tugs at the heartstrings in a time when society is more divided than ever. The ordained Presbyterian minister saw the potential good in television in a time when BUFFALO BOB SMITH and CLARABELLE were taking pies to the face. His vision was for television that spoke to children in an honest way, while addressing heavy subjects such as a war, assasination, racism and death. As society has grown more cynical, the documentary points out that there is no MR. ROGERS anymore to help break down the walls that separate us. It also shows how the man's simple message was lost on some who believe that ROGERS was responsible for the entitlement of a generation where everyone gets a trophy. Hell, even the WESTBORO BAPTIST assholes showed up to picket the man's funeral.  Filmmaker MORGAN NEVILLE artfully shows the complicated man behind the smile and the cardigan and presents you with an appreciation for the man's unique legacy. Listen to the podcast for something a little less eloquent.







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http://focusfeatures.com/wont-you-be-my-neighbor/