Review: A Man Called Otto

Review: A Man Called Otto

What can I say about “A Man Called Otto” that may not have already been said? I don’t know.

The film produced by Rita Wilson and starring her husband Tom Hanks is an emotional roller coaster ride that will leave you thinking about life.

Hanks plays Otto Anderson, an older man who is facing some of life’s biggest hurdles: losing a spouse and losing a job. On top of that he now has to deal with new annoying neighbors (Marisol and Tommy, played by Mariana Trevino and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, respectively) when all he really wants to do is end it. Thank goodness for those new annoying neighbors.

Through the film we watch Otto’s life unfold through his younger self (played by Hanks son Truman Hanks). We watch him meet his wife Sonya (played by Rachel Keller) and the world they build together. The viewer sees the friendship he forms with his neighbors. Through all that we know that although Otto is currently an angry old man, he wasn’t always that way. He may be set in his ways, but he has his reasons. And he does care. More than he wants you to believe. The only one who truly figures him out is Marisol.

“A Man Called Otto” hits you right in the heart and holds you there for two hours. But it’s not a bad hold. It’s a good hold. One that will leave you wanting to care more and more.

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

At this time of year there are many holidays to celebrate. Whatever occasion it is that you may celebrate, my hope is that you fully enjoy it.

Savor your time with family. Especially the children. It’s true what they say: they really do grow up so fast. Wasn’t it only seven or eight years ago that my daughter’s big Christmas wish was a Barbie dream house? Now it’s Apple cards and oh, I really want to get my driver’s license!

Linger a little bit with your elderly relatives. Listen to the same story you’ve heard a million times. It may be the last time you hear it. And then you may wish you could hear it again but you won’t be able to.

Listen to the music. Watch that holiday film you’ve seen a million times. Sit in the room with the only light coming from the Christmas tree. Drink that drink. Eat that food.

The holidays only come around once a year and that’s what makes them so special. Enjoy life. Enjoy the holidays. Absorb it all.