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A Man Called Otto Blu-ray Review

“A Man Called Otto” is a familiar, but moving film.

Based on the hit novel “A Man Called Ove,” “A Man Called Otto” revolves around the titular aging character. He’s a grouchy and rude fellow who is decidedly set in his ways. Underneath that tough exterior though lies a troubled soul who is grieving the loss of his wife and contemplating suicide. He gets a new outlook on life when he meets new neighbors (the pregnant Marisol, her husband Tommy and their 2 daughters) and a feral cat that essentially gives him a new lease on life. Otto also finds himself befriending a transgender teen (Malcolm) and rekindling a friendship with neighbors he drifted away from (Anita and her husband Reuben and Jimmy) and fighting against a shady real estate company. 

Directed by Marc Forster (best known for “Finding Neverland” and “Quantum Of Solace”) and written by David Magee, “A Man Called Otto” is a predictable modern day Grinch story about connections, friendship, loss, neighbors, and love . You can see where it’s all headed pretty quickly, and yet, despite all of that the filmmanages to be a profoundly moving story. Sure, it may be manipulative, but it has its heart in the right place and manages to be a touching crowd pleaser that feels right for these troubled times. 

What really makes ‘Otto’ work as well as it does is Tom Hanks and Mariana Trevino. Hanks may have a penchant for playing supremely likable characters so it was refreshing to see the beloved actor sort of step outside of his comfort zone to play a guy who is initially a big jerk. Of course, there’s more to this character than meets the eye as the audience learns about his heartbreaking past via flashbacks. We also get to see just how big of a heart this character has (literally and figuratively). As for Mariana Trevino, she may be a relative unknown at this juncture, but she will undoubtedly be getting more roles in the near future after her heartfelt performance as Marisol. She is the heart and soul of the film. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. Grade: A-

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+

Extras:
* Digital copy
* A music video for Rita Wilson and Sebastian Yatra’s “Til You’re Home.”
* 1 deleted scene titled “Otto Preps His Car For The Kids.”
* Sony trailers
* “In The Studio With Rita Wilson And Sebastian Yatra”- A brief interview about the recording of “Til You’re Home.”
* “Breaking The Rules: Making A Man Called Otto” contains interviews, film clips, discussions about the project and characters.

March 12, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A Man Called Otto Blu-ray Review, A Man Called Ove, Tom Hanks