It’s not often that people of all ages talk about a movie that should lead everyone to make a trip to the theater.

It happened this winter with the Tom Hanks movie “A Man Called Otto”. I saw it earlier this month at Marshall 6, and thought it was the best new movie I’ve seen since “The Mule” starring Clint Eastwood in 2019.

The title character is a man in his 60s trying to live without his wife, who died of cancer. The movie delves into their past, with scenes that recall how they faced tragedy but managed to build a happy life together,

The tranformation in Otto over the course of the movie is phenomenal. It happens as he becomes friends with a family that moves in across the street. His social isolation gradually melts away. He decides to let them into his life.

Otto reminds me in many ways of Norman Thayer, Henry Fonda’s character in the 1981 classic “On Golden Pond”. Norman’s situation is somewhat different because he has a wife and daughter, but he like Otto was at a crossroads in his life.

They both weren’t happy. They found greater happiness by being open to what life has to offer. They found things to enjoy in life.

Both movies offer something valuable to those of us who’ve started to age. We’re reminded that we ourselves aren’t young anymore.

I haven’t gone cross country skiing or hit a golf ball since my hip replacement in 2021. I’m not sure if I ever will. I’m content to just take walks around the neighborhood or to go out for a nature walk at the SMSU Wildlife Area or Camden State Park.

I’ve turned to books, music and movies as ways to keep busy when I’m home alone. I like to be out and about, but for the most part those activities keep me from getting bored.

Getting older should ideally make a person content with life. Communities like Marshall offer many great opportunities for older adults, with places like the Adult Community Center and Marshall Area YMCA. It’s very rare to have days when there’s nothing to do.

Our community has amenities for both the old and the young. Over the years we’ve occasionally heard from local employers who’ve said that we’re limited in that regard, that it’s a reason recruited applicants give them for turning down jobs.

I believe that very often it’s a red herring. I’d venture to guess that what concerns the applicants most is job security.

If they move their family to a small city and their new job doesn’t work out, chances are they’ll have to move again. In a larger city they’d have more of a shot at job opportunities in their fields without having to relocate. It’s a definite factor. If they decide to give our community a chance, they’ll find good amenities.

Otto didn’t have to look far to find a way to add meaning to his life. He turned to the old friends and new friends in his neighborhood. He became willing to reach out. He forged or reinforced valuable friendships.

At any age the direction of a person’s life is up to the individual. There are things that can’t be controlled, but there are also many choices that can prove meaningful.

When a good, hopeful story comes out in theaters, it’s great to have an outstanding facility like Marshall 6. It’s great for me to be within walking distance. The price of a movie has consistently stayed in step with the minimum wage, providing roughly two hours of entertainment for what can be earned in an hour of work.

It’s still a good bargain. There are still many good shows, and occasionally one comes along that lots of people talk about.

I think it would be great if Otto wins Hanks another Oscar. If not, it was still great to see him in another title role, a role that fans will remember and enjoy for many years to come.

— Jim Muchlinski is a former reporter and contributor to the Marshall Independent