A Man Called Otto is the story of an unfriendly old man. The plot seems a bit clichéd and reminds one of the films like Gran Torino, Sharmaji Namkeen and even 777 Charlie. But the writers and director have peppered the narrative with some very funny and emotional moments which keep the interest going. Despite some very difficult-to-digest moments and developments in the story, one still will leave the theatre smiling and teary-eyed as the pluses outweigh the minuses. The performances are also of a tall order. Tom Hanks plays a very role which is very hatke for him and comes out with flying colours. Truman Hanks, also the real-life son of Tom Hanks, does well as the younger Otto. The flashback scenes are heartwarming, in the first half. Mariana Treviño is lovely as Marisol. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (Tommy) is okay. Rachel Keller (Sonya) is fair. Peter Lawson Jones (Reuben) leaves a mark. Child actors Alessandra Perez and Christiana Montoya are cute. Juanita Jennings (Anita), Cameron Britton (Jimmy) and Mack Bayda (Malcolm) are fine. All in all, despite some problems with the writing, A Man Called Otto is still worth watching.
My rating – *** ½ out of 5!