A Man Called Otto: Review/Film Poem (article) by Betty Jo Tucker on AuthorsDen

CAN TOM HANKS BE GLOOMY?

The first time I saw Tom Hanks was way back in days of yore. He was co-starring in a TV show called “Bosom Buddies.” And I thought right then and there, his future was comedy. Then later when Carol Burnett came to San Diego (where I was living then) with her popular Questions and Answers live show, she called on me to share my question So I asked her politely, ”Who do you think is the funniest performer working today?” She didn’t even blink before replying, “Tom Hanks!”

Well, to me that cinched Hanks’ career. And he’s been quite successful in comedy films plus a few dramas including THE GREEN MILE. But in 2022, Hanks took three challenges: one playing puppeteer Geppetto in PINOCCHIO as well as Colonel Tom Parker in ELVIS and Otto in A MAN CALLED OTTO. These three were definitely more dramatic than comical parts.

I already reviewed the first two films, but I didn’t see the third one until recently. A MAN CALLED OTTO turns out to be one of Hanks’ best ever performances. And I can’t understand why it received no recognition at the Oscars®. It’s about an obnoxious man so tired of living he wants to kill himself to be with his dead wife. Directed by Marc Forster and written by Fredrik Backman, Hannes Holm and David Magee, this unusual offering deals with how Otto changes because of caring new neighbors and a cat who won’t leave him alone.

A grumpy role for Tom Hanks now.

But he gets from me a big WOW!

This actor shows many a way

to surprise fans and make us stay.

He plays Otto in this movie.

A leading part that’s not easy.

Only slowly does he endear

his viewers who all want to cheer.

Helping Hanks here is one stray cat

and more actors acting down pat.

Comedy hidden in the dark,

“A Man Called Otto” leaves a spark!

Supporting cast member Mariana Treviῆo delivers a wonderful performance as a pregnant neighbor who gives Otto delicious home-made Mexican food and makes her whole family treat him like a real friend. Plus, the other diverse actors fit their roles and seem to be so real.

This humanistic film helps us understand how people working together can make their lives more worthwhile – even to the point of saving a life.

But in the end, one needs more courage to live than to kill himself. --- Albert Camus

Suicide is not a blot on anyone’s name --- it is a tragedy. --- Kay Redfield Jamison

(Available On Demand. Released by Sony and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)

Entertainment from beginning to end is the gift PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ gives us during the holidays. It fills your heart with joy and your eyes with be

The first time I saw Regina King was in one of the MISS CONGENIALITY films with Sandra Bullock. She did more than hold her own. So I expected great th

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on April 17, 2023

Thanks for this. I will watch for it. I didn't know that Tom Hanks started as a comedian. But he's always had a rather wry sense of humor in all of his films, even the dramatic ones like Saving Pvt. Ryan.

He joins a long line of comedians who started making funny movies and eventually, returned to drama. Carol Burnett is an example.

Ron