In the 2015 Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” the audience was introduced to a curmudgeonly yet endearing anti-hero named Ove, whose dark sense of humor and regular suicidal attempts made for a uniquely Scandinavian brand of feelgoodery. The film’s success in Sweden led to Hollywood taking notice, and now we have the English-language remake, “A Man Called Otto,” starring the ever-talented Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks, known for his lovable and heartwarming roles, takes a bold departure from his typical characters to portray Otto Anderson, a widower living a solitary life in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ready to give up on life, Otto’s world is turned upside down when a friendly Mexican family moves in across the street, sparking a thawing of his cold heart.
Hanks delivers a remarkable lead performance as Otto, perfectly capturing the misanthropic yet good-hearted nature of the character. His portrayal is so captivating that the film noticeably suffers when he’s not on the screen. Stepping away from his usual “America’s Dad” persona, Hanks effortlessly embraces Otto’s short-fused personality, adding depth and humanity to the role.
The film wisely casts Hanks’ real-life son, Truman, to play the younger Otto in flashbacks, providing insight into his early life and marriage to Sonya (Rachel Keller). While this adds an interesting layer to the character, these scenes feel overly sentimental and somewhat weaken the overall pace of the film. Director Marc Forster faces a challenging task of balancing the comedic elements with the darker themes of attempted suicide, and while the movie does have sharper edges, it occasionally veers into sugary clichés.
However, the film’s likeability remains steady, thanks to the supporting cast surrounding Hanks. Juanita Jennings delivers a standout performance as one of Otto’s estranged neighbors, adding depth to the narrative. Another touching subplot revolves around a trans teen in Otto’s life, portrayed by trans actor Mack Bayda, adding authenticity to the character’s journey.
One of the standout performances comes from Mexican actor Mariana Treviño, who portrays Marisol, the mother of the new family living across the street. Treviño’s vivacity and warm-heartedness infuse the film with genuine charm, providing the necessary balance to Otto’s grumpiness.
As the film unfolds, it delivers a heartwarming “It’s-A-Wonderful-Life” message that no one is a failure when they have friends. While “A Man Called Otto” struggles at times to maintain a consistent tone, Hanks’ winningly grumpy performance, along with Treviño’s sunny portrayal, ensure an enjoyable take on the theme of giving life another chance.
In the end, “A Man Called Otto” may not entirely justify its existence in the sea of easily accessible films, but it still manages to capture the essence of the original Swedish gem while adding Hanks’ unparalleled talent to the mix. So, don’t sleep on this heartfelt tale of redemption and friendship, as Tom Hanks once again proves why he is a true acting treasure.
