Sunday, 11 June 2023

VOD: A Man Called Otto (dir: Marc Forster, 2023)

"I was, uh, parallel parking."
"Parallel to what?"

This utterly charming film stars Tom Hanks as a curmudgeonly widower who is a stickler for rules and suffering the trials of modern-day life, unwanted retirement and his neighbours, and just as he is about to end it all he is distracted by the arrival of a new energetic family, which starts off his journey to redemption.  The film is lovingly-crafted in every aspect and it conveys Otto's feelings of loss, frustration and loneliness beautifully, but there are also plenty of chuckles to be had along the way from Otto's utter disdain at everyone.  This is perfect casting for Tom Hanks who delivers terrific work, and Mariana Trevino is a delight as his upbeat and more chaotic new neighbour.  This feels like a very complete, emotional and satisfying film to watch with its perfect marriage of writing, screencraft and performance
 

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