It Was All The Clown's Fault

 Save the Grumpy Old Man, Save the World

A Man Called Otto (2022) – The story of a man who stopped living until the world around him forced him back into life.  New neighbors move in across the street and into his life, offering possibilities he thought would never be part of his life again.

Directed by Marc Forster

Starring Tom Hanks, Mariana Trevino, Rachel Keller

Why I Liked It – A heartwarming story of change and a new life.  Tom Hanks at his best.

This was an airplane movie for me.  A few weeks ago, I flew across the continent for a wedding.  Long flights can be a great time to catch up on newer movies.  “A Man Called Otto” was a title that I’d wanted to see, so it was an easy choice.  Tom Hanks has been on my “I’d Watch Him Read My Shopping List” list for a while now.  He is very much the modern Jimmy Stewart for me.  A versatile actor with easy relatibility.  And he didn’t let me down here.

Otto Anderson is a man who knows how he likes things. Every detail of his life is defined and repeatable.  He dislikes change and people who don’t obey the rules.  His neighborhood is on a private street, and there are few things that irritate him more (and plenty of things irritate him) than people who use the street as a shortcut.  His neighbors treat his grumpiness with delicate affection.  Then Marisol and family move in across the street, all his neatly drawn lines come under assault.  They’re not rude or aggressive.  They’re just…friendly.  Otto doesn’t know how to deal with it all.  Soon his life begins to turn in a new direction, and there are surprises for everyone.

I will admit that the movie hit me harder than I expected.  There are several details in this story that hit a little close to home for me (if you’ve seen the movie and are worried about me, I can assure it’s NOT that one!).  It’s awkward dealing with deep emotions in the confines of an airplane.  Fortunately, the lights were out so I don’t think anyone noticed when the tears rolled down my face.  While Otto and I are very different people, I understand his struggles.  Change is hard for all of us, but for Otto it is especially difficult.  His support network is very specific, and becomes the pivotal first change in his life.  Sadly, his answer to that change is attempt to stop all other change.  That brings on profound sadness and out of that grew anger.  It was a namaste moment for me – The grumpy old dude in me sees the grumpy old dude in you.

Th obvious comparison for Otto Anderson is Ebenezer Scrooge.  Both caught in events of their past from which they can not free themselves.  Both faced down by spirits (of a kind) that stand in both the past and present that will push these grumpy old dudes into a new future.

A wonderful movie that should become a favorite for many, many people.

Rating – **** Recommended