Lesson 121: Won’t You Be My Neighbor? – Yes, Please

Jul 11, 2018 | Chad Riley, Eddie Villanueva, Movies, Podcasts, The Filmlosophers

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva, Chad Riley and Spencer Williams, hop on the Neighborhood Trolley for a trip down memory lane with this week’s review of the feature length documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018). Directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, the film chronicles the career of Fred Rogers, creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on PBS. Utilizing a collection of archival footage and in-depth interviews with family and friends, Neville weaves a winsome tapestry of the motivation and mission of one of American television’s pioneering voices.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? offers a heartfelt glimpse of the behind-the-scenes humor, sincerity and passion that went into Rogers’ often-countercultural phenomenon, including insights into his critical view of most entertainment programming. The film takes a candid look at how Mister Rogers Neighborhood tackled heavy subjects and serious psychological topics with curiosity and dignity, and it may come as some surprise to hear that some members of the audience may appreciate having tissues handy.

Lesson 257: Raya and the Last Dragon (Review)

The Filmlosophers explore the world of Kumandra as they discuss the latest from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Raya and the Last Dragon. The Fantastical Few weigh the film for its ability to show proper Asian representation against the amount it costs to watch it....

Lesson 256: The Vigil – Meshuga Memories (Review)

The Filmlosophers find spookity vibes early in the year as they discuss IFC Film’s latest serving of independent goodness in Keith Thomas’s The Vigil. The Schmoozey Schlemiels discuss the unique perspective Thomas’s directorial debut shares. Does The Vigil give enough...

Lesson 255: Judas and the Black Messiah (Spoilers)

The Filmlosophers revisit our vicious history in the 2021 Warner Bros Pictures and HBO original film, Judas and the Black Messiah. The Vigilant Vigilantes explore the dark corners of our nation to uncover the truth surrounding Black Panther leader Fred Hampton. Do...