‘A MAN CALLED OTTO’ IS ONE SAD AND JOYFUL MOVIE ALL AT ONCE
There are some films that are touching and heartwarming, but fall into the category of a movie we probably wouldn’t add to our re-watch list. A Man Called Otto is one that this feeling applies to.
A Man Called Otto (2022) Film Review
Cranky doesn’t really begin to describe the normal attitude of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks). He wasn’t always like this, but the hardships of life wear on him. Now, as his retirement, the only thing he really has left, is come and gone, he makes a plan. Only it’s not a happy one. He is going to end it all. His neatness must first be appeased so he tidies things, ensures the scene won’t get messy, and even buys the rope. Then fate steps in.
When Otto’s type-A personality brings him to get involved in the arrival of a new neighbor, his plans are delayed. Though only temporarily. After he manages to parallel a U-Haul his new neighbor is unable to, he eats the food she gives him and then, well, he tries to accomplish his plans to end it all. His neighbor Marisol (Mariana Treviño) is sassy and loves her family fiercely. Unbeknownst to Otto, she’s about to become a force in this life, and one he may not be prepared to fight.
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‘A MAN CALLED OTTO’ IS ONE SAD AND JOYFUL MOVIE ALL AT ONCE. #TomHanks stars in this drama. #MovieReviews #Movies #Reviews #AManCalledOtto Share on X
This film is heavy which is, I am sure, intentional since the topic isn’t cute or easy. This said, A Man Called Otto is also, weirdly, joyful. Based on a foreign language novel, Tom Hanks stars in and produces this film that still charms even with its heavy burdens. There’s this fabulous sense of humor (it’s this fabulous kind of dark humor) that counters Otto’s journey, which finally does lead him to light. The cast, including Hanks (as he usually does) turn in wonderfully good performances. Everyone deserves a mention, but Mariana Treviño is especially good. She has heart, emotion and best of all, she has a personality that’s infectious. Truman Hanks also co-stars as the younger Otto.
This is one film has has high user ratings, so it’s well loved. I think it’s one someone even shared a recommendation to me for back in the day, which lingered in my mind when I finally decided to watch this. The film will break some hearts and others will see a heartwarming story that untimely lets there be joy. It has a good progression showing the character and how he lets people in. A Man Called Otto won’t suit everyone. It’s more about letting its character feel the things they feel and the positive outside forces that see things differently.
If you don’t want sad, this movie is one best to stay clear of. The film isn’t Tom Hanks in his best feel-good role, but it does, strange though it may sound, have plenty of feel good moments.
You can stream this film, at publication, on Hulu
Photos: Sony (Alamy Stock Photo)
Content: this one has lots of adult content simply because of the heavy themes of suicide. We see at least four scenes of a character trying to end their life by various different means including a shot gun. Most of the scenes are very impacting (as they need to be) and emotional, but may also annoy some viewers. There is some (minor) profanity and discussion of death. The film is PG-13.
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