A One Mann’s Movies review of “A Man Called Otto” (2023).
Aside from the excellent Traveling Wilbury’s track “The End of the Line”, the trailer for “A Man Called Otto” really didn’t appear that much to me. The humour seemed quite childish when played out of context. And as it was based on a well-loved Swedish film “A Man Called Ove”, which I must admit I haven’t seen yet, the web was full of pre-release comment about why “bloody Americans feel the need to remake perfect European movies”.
But I’m pleased to report that the actual film was an utter delight with Hanks, playing against character as an unlikable grouch, on top form.
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks) is a grieving and suicidal widow looking for an exit. But he is also a stickler for rules and regulations. The grumpy sixty-something pensioner does his daily rounds of the neighbourhood, grounching at offenders and barely tolerating the quirks of his fellow citizens. His life is forced to change though when the energetic Marisol (Mariana Treviño) and her lively family moves into the property opposite Otto.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: PG-13. (From the BBFC: “Suicide theme”.)
Talent:
Starring: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Juanita Jennings, Peter Lawson Jones, Juanita Jennings, Truman Hanks, Rachel Keller.
Directed by: Marc Forster.
Written by: David Magee. (Based on the novel by Fredrik Backman and the screenplay by Hannes Holm for ‘A Man Called Ove’).
Twitter Handles: #AManCalledOtto.
“A Man Called Otto” Review:
Positives:
- Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a light and fluffy comedy. The script has razor sharp edges and if your showing is anything like the packed showing that we attended (a #cineworldunlimited preview) then there will be as much sobbing going on as laughter. I have never seen so many woman staying through the end credits to compose themselves!
- Tom Hanks is superb as the grounchy pensioner, playing his barbed lines in wonderfully deadpan style. Otto reminded me SOOO much of my long-deceased Dad, who was a lovely and caring man but could get into quiet rages about things like litter, middle-lane drivers and rule-breaking. Unfortunately, the illustrious Mrs Movie Man has pointed out that the same could be said of me, particularly in regards to Otto’s ranting about recycling being put in the wrong bins! Like father, like son!
- To offset the dourness of Otto’s character, Mariana Treviño is just pitch-perfect as the 150-word a minute ball of Mexican energy, Marisol. Some of her scenes, particularly one at the hospital late on in the film, are an utter delight. She almost steals the film from Hanks: it should be a breakout film for her.
- There are some clever elements to the story. The bizarre ‘clown fight’ in the trailer makes total sense when you see it in context to the film. And when the almost comotose Reuban (Peter Lawson Jones) determinedly grabs at Otto’s ‘purchase’ (no spoilers), it took the illustrious Mrs Movie Man to point out to me that since he spends all day staring fixedly out of his window, he is the only one clued in to what Otto is up to!
- It’s a nice touch to include Hanks’ son Truman (normally found on the other side of the camera in a technical capacity) in the film. He plays the young Otto (with Rachel Keller delightful as Sonya) in the clever flashback scenes: a neat “show don’t tell” device within the script.
Negatives:
- I’ve very little here. I thought, while I was watching it, that the film drew out its ending too much, but given where it went (beyond the “Hollywood ending”) I think that was entirely justified.
Summary Thoughts on “A Man Called Otto”
It’s unusual to find such a feel-good movie so neatly wrapped up in barbed wire. But this is a film that is both uplifing and sad in equal measure, and – like “Empire of Light” – rather puts you through the emotional wringer. A really solid and entertaining two-hours at the cinema, this comes with a highly recommended by me.
Just. Take. Tissues!
Trailer for “A Man Called Otto”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFYUX9l-m5I .
