A Man Called Otto

Marc Foster with screenwriter David Magee bring to screen this adaptation of Fredrick Backman’s book. Otto (Tom Hanks) is in his mid 60’s, a widower about to retire. He lives on a small private road, hassled by property developers and, in his mind, surrounded by idiots. All has taken its toll, he’s fed up and annoyed with life and his only thought is to rejoin his wife Sonya. We see Otto’s past through flashback with Hank’s son Truman playing the young Otto alongside Rachel Keller as Sonya. Otto’s life is changed when new neighbours move in, in the shape of Marisol (Mariana Treviño) her husband Tommy (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and their young family, who begin to give Otto purpose in his life as realises that maybe not everyone is an idiot and life still has purpose.

If you have ever seen Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino and wondered what it would be like with Tom Hanks in the lead role, then this is your answer. Ultimately it’s a pretty predictable story, Grumpy older man fed up with life finds purpose in unexpected relationships.

But predictable doesn’t mean bad. Now while this is unlikely to be hugely memorable it is enjoyable and delivered with a huge slice of charm. That charm comes on occasion from the good hearted story, but mainly it comes from an excellent set of performances. It’s no surprise to anyone that Tom Hanks is his usual charismatic self and he does grumpy very well. But the film is at its best in his interactions with Treviño’s Marisol, she brings a real humour and heart to the roll. There is good support elsewhere with Juanita Jennings as Anita, Cameron Britton’s Jimmy and Mack Bayda as Malcolm amongst the picks.

A Man Called Otto is predictable and pedestrian at times. But Hanks and Mariana Treviño bring so much charm and warmth to the screen that you can’t help been carried along. Ultimately delivering an enjoyable good hearted story.