The DVD from Sony Home Entertainment is newly released.
The character of Otto has suffered a great loss. His wife has passed away. She was the light of his life, and he can see no reason to keep on living. He’s busy planning how to end things when a new neighbour knocks on the door at just the right moment…
Otto is the biggest curmudgeon you’ve ever met. There are rules to be followed, ways of doing things - the right way and idiot is one of his favourite words. Marisol and her boisterous family will change his life...
Tom Hanks is perfect for this role. His facial expressions, his body language, his dialogue and demeanor are perfect for the character of Otto. Mariana Treviño was also wonderful as Marisol. Upbeat, intuitive and determined. She just made me smile! The supporting cast was just as wonderful. Quirky, yet real. And every good tale needs an antagonist - this one is perfectly despicable.
The movie is told in a now and then timeframe. We get glances and bits of young Otto and can better understand him. Have a tissue or two handy. But be ready to laugh also - there's humour throughout the film as well.
The setting is perfect - a closed private road that has a two sided street with the houses all facing each other. I liked how the 'now and then' of the setting was achieved.
Often the concern with books going to screen is how true will the film stay to the original? Personally, I'm not looking for an exact copy of a book. I am happy to discover how a film maker has taken inspiration from a novel and produced their vision.
Family, loss, grief, joy, friendship and more are some of the themes running through the movie. Me? I really enjoyed this film! See for yourself - watch the official trailer of A Man Named Otto here.
Don't forget to check out the extras. And here's a fun fact - Tom Hanks' son Truman plays young Otto.
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