A Man Called Otto Review by Marc Primo

Played by the beloved Tom Hanks, Otto's performance strikes a delicate balance between quirkiness and groundedness. He's justified in his grievances, like not wanting to pay for extra rope or speaking up against inconsiderate drivers and entitled neighbors. Let's not forget the soulless real estate guys from "Dye & Merica" who disrupt the community. Otto has every right to raise a fuss.

However, not everything is as terrible as Otto makes it seem. Maybe he could be a bit more courteous, especially when a new neighbor, who is very pregnant, visits with a bowl of delicious homemade food as a kind gesture.

If you've seen the 2015 Oscar-nominated Swedish film "A Man Called Ove" by Hannes Holm, you'll know that Otto hasn't always been this unbearable. Through flashbacks, we learn that he was socially awkward but kind and approachable in his youth. Young Otto, played by the star's son Truman Hanks, had a passion for engineering and unraveling mysteries. His life changed when he met Sonya, his wife who recently passed away.

Like "Ove," Otto eagerly longs for a reunion with his wife on the other side. However, his frequent suicide attempts are interrupted in episodes that fluctuate between awkwardly humorous and uncomfortable. The primary disruptions in Otto's cantankerous life come from his new neighbors: the happily married couple, Marisol (a lively and scene-stealing Mariana Treviño, truly the film's highlight) and Tommy (portrayed by Manuel Garcia-Ruflo). They frequently ask for small favors from the grumpy Otto. The neighborhood also includes other individuals, such as the kind-hearted transgender teenager, Malcolm (Mack Bayda), who has been kicked out by his father, the fitness-obsessed Jimmy (Cameron Britton), Otto's old friend Rueben (Peter Lawson Jones), and his wife Anita (Juanita Jennings), who are no longer on friendly terms with Otto. And let's not forget the stray cat that perplexes everyone for a while, leaving them unsure of what to do next.

The story's perplexing aspect is the supporting characters' inability to pick up on subtle hints about Otto, even well into the second act. Instead of acknowledging his rudeness, the characters show unwavering patience and acceptance. For example, why do Otto's colleagues throw him an unappreciated retirement party, or why does Marisol persistently strive to uncover his redeeming qualities despite his consistent dismissal of her genuine efforts?

Despite its flaws, the story captivates with moments of charm as Otto lets his guard down, attempts to make amends, and deals with a rare heart condition. An unintentional act of heroism turns Otto into a local legend, saving a life in front of a disinterested crowd engrossed in their phones. He further earns goodwill by taking in Malcolm and gradually forming a meaningful bond with Marisol. This storyline adds depth to a predictable narrative, making it more rewarding.

Forster's adaptation triumphs in delivering a meaningful message about ordinary individuals uniting against faceless corporations. While "A Man Called Otto" may not delve as deeply into introspection as "About Schmidt" or exhibit the same level of social consciousness as "I, Daniel Blake," it remains a heartwarming crowd-pleaser for your next family gathering.