Are you, like millions of Americans, a little exhausted by the seemingly never-ending slew of bad news? If not, perhaps you could merely use an uplifting boost to be the cherry on top of your week? Well, regardless of any circumstances, do yourself a favor and see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” starring the eternally lovable Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers. This film, directed by Marielle Heller, comes at a perfect time when we need to cleanse our palates of any negative realities the world is facing and take a moment to remember what’s good in our own lives.
The film is inspired by the real-life friendship that developed between Mr. Rogers and a writer for Esquire magazine during the late 90s. The writer, named Tom Junod (changed to Lloyd Vogel in the film), is assigned to write a magazine profile about Mr. Rogers for an Esquire spread about heroes. He’s a regular guy plagued by his own personal problems, who typically writes about people in an unsavory light, and is reluctant to profile someone like Rogers. He unexpectedly finds himself transformed by Rogers’ bona fide kindness during the interviewing process. What happens to him is the moment we all hope for as adults, that moment where someone helps us unpack the stressful weight of the world and look at the bigger picture with optimism. Basically, we can’t always face it all alone.
Tom Hanks exemplifies that kindness perfectly, for anyone crazy enough to think he wouldn’t. He isn’t trying too hard, and it’s almost humorous, as you can tell he’s really enjoying the impersonation. The film even opens like a real episode of Mr. Rogers’ show, zooming in on a mini town, equipped with a trolley and all the typical accouterments. Hanks greets us, switches out his blazer for an iconic Rogers’ zip-up cardigan, and trades his daytime loafers for simple sneakers. He then introduces us to some of his friends, including Vogel, saying “someone has hurt my friend Lloyd, and not just on his face. He’s having a hard time forgiving the person who hurt him.” Then we dive into how their relationship develops in the present time, 1998, and where that leads.
If you saw last year’s heartwarming documentary directed by Morgan Neville, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”, you’re probably already familiar with who Rogers was: an ordained minister who loved swimming, playing piano, and helping children. Neville’s documentary showed that Fred Rogers’ TV persona wasn’t at all an act, but that along with “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” emphasizes that he was a human being, not necessarily a saint. No matter what, his image isn’t tarnished, and that feels even more amazing to know he was actually such a good person. It’s a film that meshes that with the real-life impact he made on everyday people.
This movie doesn’t veer too far into ooey-gooey sentimentality, it goes to a pretty raw place of real, difficult emotions that are hard for people to address. Vogel has to surrender to his emotions, face them head-on, and learn about forgiveness through Mr. Rogers’ seemingly off-hand remarks. When watching it, you as a viewer realize that the things Rogers’ says are relevant to your real emotional toolkit. He was, forgive the cliché, larger than life, but not an unrealistic fantasy. Through this film, you learn that, despite the world sometimes being an ugly place, there is always hope and you have to make the effort.
It is isn’t Oscar bait—it’s something that you didn’t know you desperately needed. Bring the tissues!
The "invisible orientation": Ace identity, culture and misconceptions
By Jackie Bozinovski | April 10International Asexuality Day took place April 6, and for all asexuals (aces), it’s a day to celebrate ourselves, our experience and the community as a whole. As an asexual myself, I’ve read a plethora of asexual content that gave answers to all my questions and a voice to affirm that my identity is valid and my experience matters. As such, I’ve decided to clear up three common misconceptions about the asexual community and shed some light on the invisible orientation.
Hinge released their dating report, here’s what IUPUI students think
By Milo Anderson | March 29From fears of meeting new people to a pandemic to getting into the landscape of online dating, there are plenty of reasons to feel awkward about dating as a young adult. Gen Z has been forced into the middle of one of the most turbulent times to meet new people, and for some, it can be too much.
Herron School of Art and Design annual wearable art show to take place March 28
By Hanne Brandgard | March 27Since 2004, Herron School of Art and Design has put on the Wearable Art Show. This event gives interested students a chance to test their creativity and transform their art from a stationary work to a piece of clothing. This year’s 20th anniversary show will take place on March 28 at the EFAC building.
