Tom Hanks as the family-friendly old grump next door
Directed by: Marc Forster
Written by: David Magee
Starring: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving suicide attempts, and language
Release Date: January 13, 2023
Runtime: 2:06
This review may contain spoilers
The Grouch Called Tom
This is a film about a grouchy, old man bickering at neighbors for everything, from littering in the recyclable bins to parking permits. Basically, he’s the male “Karen” of the neighborhood. So, who could be the perfect option for this role? Josh Brolin? Billy Bob Thornton? Maybe Robert de Niro? No, the choice for this kind of role goes to – Tom Hanks???
Otto the Grump
This is the life story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks, Saving Private Ryan), the neighborhood grouch. He gripes and yells at anyone not strictly following the community rules, like public parking. When a new family moves across the street from Otto, their overfriendliness will invade Otto’s solitude, especially the pregnant mother, Marisol (Mariana Treviño, Netflix’s Club de Cuervos).
– via Sony
The story also reflects on Otto’s youth in flashbacks. In the past, the film follows a younger Otto (Truman Hanks) who finds love and purpose despite having no money and health problems.
A Book Called Ove
A Man Called Otto is based on the Swedish book A Man Called Ove, written by Fredrik Backman. The novel was given “rave” reviews on Book Marks, a review-aggregation site for books (Rotten Tomatoes for book readers). It was adapted into a Swedish film in 2015.
Tom Hanks
Well, it’s Tom Hanks; he’s always loveable. Otto is a different role for him – being a grumpy nitpicker. Hanks is usually playing the friendly, lovable, and, dare I say, cuddly characters. His characters range from toy cowboy, Army captain, and Mr. Freakin’ Rogers.
It’s pretty funny that he went from friendly Mr. Rogers to grumpy-ass Otto. Both characters are even well-known in their neighborhoods.
Not much else I can say about Tom Hanks. He’s the kind of actor you’d expect to see a great performance. His Otto is likable even for a grouch, and Hanks carries the film with ease.
A Neighbor Called Marisol
Marisol is the lovable neighbor who makes dinner for new people she meets, even when she is the new person on the block. Despite Otto keeping his distance, Marisol keeps being friendly and sees Otto as a long-distance relative.
Mariana Treviño’s performance as Marisol is delightful. At first, she seemed too friendly (maybe even overbearing), but she grows on you. While Otto holds everyone at a distance, her affection opens him up to help her family. Alright, actually, it’s because of Marisol’s goofy husband, Tommy (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, 2016’s The Magnificent Seven). Otto feels the need to help prevent Tommy from doing something stupid, which is probably what he’ll do.
Son of Hanks
Tom Hanks’ youngest son, Truman, played Otto’s younger self. Truman looks a lot like his father and is a great choice for a younger version of Otto. His performance and looks mirror Tom Hanks’ version, probably better than any actor his age could have done.
I’ve seen this happening for a few years now – younger versions of characters being played by the actor’s children. I’m sure it’s been done for longer, but since at least 2015, I’ve noticed it’s been done well. The younger actors can actually act and pull off following their parents’ portrayals.
The Many Saints of Newark had Michael Gandolfini playing the younger version of his father’s character (James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano) from The Sopranos. In Straight Outta Compton, O’Shea Jackson Jr. played the younger version of his actual father, Ice Cube.
Not exactly family friendly
Most of Tom Hanks’ films are the epitome of family-friendly films. Even when he does rated-R films, he rarely cusses (if I recall, I only heard him say the F-bomb once in Saving Private Ryan). And honestly, A Man Called Otto has all of the appearances of the next family-friendly movie. I mean, a bitter man who sneers at friendly people until his heart warms up to them and becomes part of the family. It sounds perfect, you know, other than the suicide.
Suicide Warning
Oh, did I forget to mention that Otto is trying to kill himself? Maybe this is a spoiler, but it was plastered all over the film’s ratings. Anyways, Otto is suicidal in this film.
After his wife, Sandy (Rachel Keller, FX’s Legion), passed away, Otto was ready to take his own life. He’ll attempt suicide several times before he decides to choose life. If anything, he’ll want to live to help people against stupid or greedy people.
Okay, I think I got past explaining the suicide without spoiling too much. Now, to discuss the tricky part…
Darker than I was prepared for
Otto’s suicide is more than just thoughts – he actually tries to do it. Thankfully, Otto fails due to surrounding circumstances. But it’s just shocking to see in this kind of movie, especially Tom Hanks. Everything from Otto’s setup to the actual attempt is on screen and is just jarring to watch.
I could watch the entire Saw marathon and wouldn’t be as disturbed as I did watching Tom Hanks tie up a hangman’s noose.
The softer Gran Torino
The film starts with Otto at his lowest. The suicide scenes may be hard for some viewers to watch, but it does highlight Otto’s lowest in detail. Otto’s losing his wife also brought in losing the will to live and in humanity.
Other than the suicide content, A Man Called Otto is a sweet, heartfelt viewing. Once Marisol’s family passively violates his reclusive living, the film becomes an emotional journey – giving a man who lost all meaning to live something new to live for. It all wraps up with a happy ending, showing Otto still had a lot to live for despite his age.
A Man Called Otto is playing in theaters.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Look, I started doing reviews for fun. I like to joke around with dark and dry humor. And I tend to make smart-ass jokes about all sorts of things. But it’s important to understand how serious suicide can be. It’s never the answer. Even when it feels like there’s no option left, there’s always a better option than taking your own life.
I’ve known people who’ve tried, and I’ve even known those who were successful. Sometimes, I only know about those people after they’ve taken their own life. It affects more people than you think you’d know.
Bottom line – if you’re thinking about it, get help. Even if you think it’ll be better for everyone around you, get help. Talk to someone, even if it’s just a thought. There’s help everywhere. You can even go to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free support, available 24/7. You can also call them at 9-8-8.
You are important.
