Tom Hanks’ genius on full display
Film critic Jason Evans is here to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes to fall in love with a cute pet. His reviews are exactly 100 words long (99 is too few and 101 is too much). Here is his 100-word review of A Man Called Otto.
The Premise: Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks) is a crotchety and frustrated man. His life has not been the same since his wife, Sonya, died. Each day just seems to be a series of bitter confrontations with his neighbors and Otto doesn’t know what there is to live for anymore. Otto’s life is turned upside down when a new family moves in across the street, featuring fiery mother Marisol (Mexican star Mariana Treviño) and her two charming daughters. Despite his efforts to remain solitary, Otto finds himself drawn into Marisol’s family as he begins to learn that maybe living in the present is better than wallowing in past. The film is directed by Marc Forester Finding Neverland, Quantum of Solace, World War Z) and written by David Magee (Finding Neverland, Mary Poppins Returns).
The 100 Words: There is no way this film works without the charisma of Tom Hanks. He takes an obvious, syrupy story and makes it into something touching and human. It has been a while since we saw Hanks in a heartwarming role like this and it is worth savoring, like a bite into your favorite comfort food. The supporting cast is full of delightfully odd characters and Forester does a nice job keeping the pace moving. This isn’t award-quality stuff, but is a breezy way to spend a couple hours. Thanks, Tom, for reminding us why you are a cherished Hollywood institution.
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