Tom Hanks saves the routine A Man Called Otto

Everyman Tom Hanks teams up with director Marc Forster for his latest film, A Man Called Otto, from Sony Pictures Releasing. The film is the second adaptation of the 2012 novel A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The first version was ta 2015 Swedish film of the same name written and directed by Hannes Holm.

Otto Anderson (Hanks) is a grumpy, middle-aged man living in a suburban neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Otto is a stickler for rules and routines, and he takes great pride in maintaining the order and cleanliness of his community. Furthermore, Otto is struggling to come to terms with the recent death of his wife and the love of his life, Sonya.

Despite his gruff exterior, Otto is a kind and compassionate man. Those around him often misunderstand him because of his kindness and compassion. He usually gets at odds with his quirky neighbors, including a young family, a boisterous cat, and a pregnant woman and her husband. When a new family moves in next door to Otto’s, his world is suddenly turned upside down.

The family includes Marisol (Mariana Treviño), a lively young woman, her husband Tommy (Manuel García-Rulfo), and their two young daughters. Though initially resistant, Otto is drawn to her and the family, and he begins to open up and embrace the joys of life and connection with others. 

As Otto’s relationships with his neighbors deepen, he becomes increasingly involved in their lives and helps them through their various challenges. Otto helps the family fix their house and even takes in the cat. Despite his struggles and setbacks, Otto finds solace and purpose in helping others and rediscovering his love of life. In the end, Otto learns to let go of his grief and embrace the joys of living in the present moment.

A Man Called Otto delivers the type of movie-going experience precisely that is promised, no more, no less. As you watch the trailer, you know what the story will be about, and you can probably guess the story from beginning to end.

Despite this, Marc Forster can make the tone of the film contribute to the charm of the film. He puts almost all the burden of it on its protagonist, Tom Hanks. He performs the plot as one is used to seeing him do, with the characteristic solution he is known for. Mariana Trevino also contributes to some extent to the success of the project.

Although I wonder if many people will remember the film once they exit the theater, it is a film that will moderately meet the expectations of the audience it is aimed at, and that is looking for a dramatic story with this cut. It is a movie that is topical, predictable, and does have some script flaws. 

Yet it is also a film that has a certain charm and has Tom Hanks in it. Ultimately, it can move forward. As a result, its task is completed.

Final Grade: B-

A Man Called Otto is in theaters now