Non così vicino

Wow. I was not prepared for that. I thought I was going to see a comedy film about a grumpy man who gets frustrated with his neighbours. I did not expect to be in tears by the end - and not tears of laughter.

I did not have the experience of the original book or film so I went into this with no particular expectations. It's been a long time since a movie touched me in this way.

Tom Hanks excels as Otto in a character so unlike any other he has played before. His own son played his younger self which added a level of authenticity to the role. The supporting cast brought a mix of humour and pathos resulting in beautiful and moving film that hit all the right notes.

Don't go and see this without tissues folks!

The Producers of this film would like you to fall in love with the grumpiest man in America in "A Man Called Otto"...even though it's a remake of a Swedish movie about their grumpiest old man based on the Fredrick Backman book, "A Man Called Ove".

I'd be lying if I said I didn't fall for this movie, unashamedly, hook, line and sinker.

I was expecting the usual something got lost in translation approach from the Americans and churned out sappy cinema, but it wasn't.

Sure it plays on your vulnerable human emotions and you'd have to be made of stone or even more cynical than me not to get the feels as the cool kids say.

I admit that to date I haven't read the book or seen the original Euro version that was the highest grossing foreign film of 2016 in the US, so I don't have those reference points, but what I do know is the Hollywood version deals with some very contemporary issues of social media, transgender and unscrupulous property development well.

The story goes, despite being deposed as head of his gated community (over a valid issue) our grumpy 60 something retiree Otto continues to watch over his neighbourhood with an iron fist.

Checking the gates are closed to through traffic including slimy property developers, also sorting out parking permits and recycling bins on his daily rounds.

When a pregnant new neighbour and her family (including dim witted husband and two gorgeous daughters) move into the house opposite Otto and a stray cat lands on his door step, it sets off a chain of events that changes his life for the better (mostly).

Tom Hanks is "Otto" and is brilliant in his own understated acting style.

He's got to be Oscar bait for this moving role.

Any lesser American actor could have turned this film into a schmaltzy, sugar coated affair.

Otto will make you laugh, cry and sigh so pack some tissues.

"A Man Called Otto" is a beautiful love story retold in timely flashbacks from the present to the past that don't jump all over the place like some movies do leaving you feeling disoriented.

Hanks real life son, Truman, plays "Otto" in his youth.

As the movie progresses you learn where the pain comes from in his life as he opens up like a box of chocolates.

This is my first film review for 2023 and if the rest of this years flicks can be this damn fine I'll be a happy camper.

"A Man Called Otto" has set the bar high for everything that follows.

This is a must see movie for anyone with a big heart.

In gentle dramedy "A Man Called Otto" (remaking Sweden's 2015 "A Man Called Ove") Tom Hanks excels (no surprise - what an actor) as the titular widower grieving his late wife (Rachel Keller in flashbacks (with Truman Hanks as the younger version of his actual dad)), preparing to join her, and using grumpiness to fend off friends & neighbours like Mariana Treviño (outstanding), Cameron Britton, Mack Bayda & Juanita Jennings - but might community spirit, mutual disdain for realtor Mike Birbiglia, and a cat warm him up? Director Marc Forster, writer David Magee, and especially Hanks & Treviño bring it all home with understated humour, polish, & quiet class.

Good grief there are some really grumpy reviewers out there. This is the perfect vehicle for Tom Hanks and he makes the most of the opportunity. ( I note that he and Rita Wilson are producers ). Yes it is a remake of a classic Swedish movie but this plays out to a much larger audience while retaining the same sentiments. Well written and acted this is great entertainment moving seamlessly from comedy to drama and ultimately packs an emotional punch that makes it memorable and pushes it into one of the best movies of the year . A great reminder of why Tom Hanks has been at the top for so long while providing a break out supporting role for Mariano Trevino who is genuinely both very funny and very moving. Can I also highlight the soundtrack ... especially the Kate Bush single . Highly recommended .

There is nothing subtle about this film. In fact it makes all its points with a sledgehammer. I guess some people need that to get the point.

The film has wonderful intentions which you can't fault.

Tom Hanks does an adequate job of playing a hurt, bitter curmudgeon who has had a difficult life full of loss. I think other actors willing to be disliked would have done a better job.

Most of the supporting cast is wonderful.

Be kind to others. Give them their space. You have no idea what they have been through. A person who takes a long time to warm up to you can end up being more loyal and kinder than those who constantly smile in your face.