A Man Called Otto

Wow. I was not prepared for that. I thought I was going to see a comedy film about a grumpy man who gets frustrated with his neighbours. I did not expect to be in tears by the end - and not tears of laughter.

I did not have the experience of the original book or film so I went into this with no particular expectations. It's been a long time since a movie touched me in this way.

Tom Hanks excels as Otto in a character so unlike any other he has played before. His own son played his younger self which added a level of authenticity to the role. The supporting cast brought a mix of humour and pathos resulting in beautiful and moving film that hit all the right notes.

Don't go and see this without tissues folks!

This was not marketed well. The trailers made it look like much more of a comedy than it actually was. There are some funny scenes/lines, but it's a very serious movie in many aspects, very much a dramady.

It deals with mental health issues like loneliness, loss and depression in a sensitive manner. The acting is good with Tom Hanks giving his usual outstanding performance. The writing is mostly solid but gets a little too on the nose in parts. My main criticism is it could have used a little more editing, but that seems to be an issue with most movies today. It was about 20 minutes too long.

I streamed this but would've been fine paying to see it in a theater. Definitely worth watching.

There is nothing subtle about this film. In fact it makes all its points with a sledgehammer. I guess some people need that to get the point.

The film has wonderful intentions which you can't fault.

Tom Hanks does an adequate job of playing a hurt, bitter curmudgeon who has had a difficult life full of loss. I think other actors willing to be disliked would have done a better job.

Most of the supporting cast is wonderful.

Be kind to others. Give them their space. You have no idea what they have been through. A person who takes a long time to warm up to you can end up being more loyal and kinder than those who constantly smile in your face.

I went into this movie with little expectations, and came out with this added to one of my favourite films of all time. I felt every emotion during this experience. I couldn't picture anyone else play the character of Otto, Tom hanks absolutely nailed it in this. Along with the female lead, she was hilarious and had the whole cinema laughing at times!

I will recommend this film for a long time. I go to the cinema once a week atleast and this has been the best watch in a very long time.

Don't forget to bring your tissues. It'll have you on an emotional roller coaster but you won't want to get off.

In gentle dramedy "A Man Called Otto" (remaking Sweden's 2015 "A Man Called Ove") Tom Hanks excels (no surprise - what an actor) as the titular widower grieving his late wife (Rachel Keller in flashbacks (with Truman Hanks as the younger version of his actual dad)), preparing to join her, and using grumpiness to fend off friends & neighbours like Mariana Treviño (outstanding), Cameron Britton, Mack Bayda & Juanita Jennings - but might community spirit, mutual disdain for realtor Mike Birbiglia, and a cat warm him up? Director Marc Forster, writer David Magee, and especially Hanks & Treviño bring it all home with understated humour, polish, & quiet class.