Hanks is classic curmudgeon in 'Otto'
In "A Man Called Otto," Tom Hanks plays a widower who has staunch principles, strict routines, and a very short fuse.
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Ten years ago I read the Swedish book, "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman.
In 2015, a Swedish movie was made, "A Man Called Ove" that was nominated for two Academy Awards.
In the latest rendition, Academy Award winner Tom Hanks stars as Otto in this American remake.
Otto is a widower who has staunch principles, strict routines, and a very short fuse. He has given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all when a young family moves in across the street. He meets his match when the quick-witted very pregnant Marisol turns his life upside down.
Tom Hanks is in his element as Otto. As a curmudgeon, he is wonderful and funny. In an interview, Hanks said that he really wanted this role and had to sleep with the producer for 365 days to get it. (Don't worry; the producer is his real-life wife, Rita Wilson.)
Mariana Trevino is the spunky persistent Marisol. Mack Bayda, a transgender man, plays a transgender man, Malcolm, who was a student of Otto's late wife Sonya. Juanita Jennings is Otto's neighbor, Anita. Cameron Britton is another neighbor, Jimmy who is a hoot.
Truman Hanks, the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, plays a young Otto. Rachel Keller plays his young wife, Sonya. I spent a good amount of time looking for how Truman resembled Tom since Truman played a young Otto.
David Magee wrote the "A Man Called Otto" screenplay based on the book "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman. Marc Forster directed.
I loved this movie. The script was well-written and followed the book. It was well directed and the acting was superb. It moved up to my favorite movie of the year. I recommend it to all my friends. Although there are some sad moments, there are a lot of very funny moments.
Everyone who watches this brilliant film will see someone the have known in their life as Otto; I recognized my Uncle Jim in Otto. I left the movie feeling good about the film.
Don't miss this film. Since it was shown on both coasts before December 20, it qualifies for the 2022 Academy Awards. It sure has my vote.
"A Man Called Otto" opens Jan. 13 in Alton and Edwardsville. I give it 5 stars.