BY CHRISTOPHER STAMM
GUEST MOVIE REVIEWER
A Man Called Otto (Now showing in theatres)
This film is rated PG-13 – for language
Based upon the novel, A Man Called Ove, A Man Called Otto is a delightful film made even more so by the incredible performance of Tom Hanks, who has become the Jimmy Stewart of my generation.
The story is simple: Otto is a widower who has a strict routine that he follows every day, and he has zero tolerance for idiots.
Living a solitary life, his world is thrown into turmoil when a new family moves in across the street and insists on interacting with him.
This is an exceedingly sweet film with some very tender moments and some laugh-out-loud moments, as well. Otto is what can only be referred to as a curmudgeon, but despite that, you learn that he is a fundamentally good man, a rare trait in today’s sad world.
We, the audience, feel for Otto. I know I did. He wakes every morning with his hand stretched out to hold his wife’s hand, and you can feel the emptiness when he does so, as she is not there to take his hand. I know on more than a few occasions I have awakened with my beloved wife’s hand in mine, and I can only imagine how I would be if she was gone. She is truly my better half and brings out my better nature, so without her, you would most likely be able to call me Otto, as well.
This film really has it all–great performances, great story, laughs, and tears–and you leave the theatre with a good feeling, something that is rare in this day and age.
I cannot recommend A Man Called Otto enough. Five full stars out of five possible stars for this one. Go see this film!