I loved the 2015 Swedish dramedy “A Man Called Ove”, and I remember thinking then that an American remake was all but guaranteed. It actually took longer than I expected to get here, but now we have “A Man Called Otto” from director Marc Forster. And playing the titular curmudgeon is none other than Tom Hanks. I’m always a believer in Hanks, but this felt like an odd role for him. Then I saw the new trailer. In typical Hanks fashion, he falls right into the character and I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes it.
Storywise, Otto is in a bad way. His wife has died, and he was forced out of a job he loved. So he’s decided to end his life. But every attempt is accidentally thwarted by his sweet and lively new neighbors. Soon this single mother, two young daughters, and one persistent gray cat help Otto see that he has more to live for. The original film was dark yet funny. I’m not sure how far this version will go, but the trailer looks really promising.
“A Man Called Otto” opens in theaters January 13th. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.
Keith & the Movies 
I think I’d rather see the original first as I’m not sure about this as I think Marc Forster has been inconsistent as a filmmaker as it looks like it will be another by-the-numbers film.
You can’t go wrong with the original. I like the look of this one, but the original hit me in all the right ways. I’m interested to see if this one matches up.
I saw the original also. Also read the book by Fred Backman (sp?) who has written a lot of good books. Despite American remakes of excellent foreign films, which I usually refuse to watch, this one looks pretty good. I like them using Traveling Willburies music for the trailer.
I hope it’s good. Quite the story. And I too loved the Willburies drop!
🟥🟨 Pass 🟦🟪
Awww
The trailer makes it seem a bit cliché and twee, so not sure about this one.
Knowing the original story, I’m looking forward to what this might be. Fingers crossed.
Why though? I really liked A Man called Ove. I have no interest in seeing an Americanized version of it.
Deep down I am with you. I’m going to hold onto my optimism, but I really think people should go see the original instead. It was so well done, wasn’t it?
I can’t see it unless I know the cat doesn’t die.
I think you’ll be good to watch. LOL. It’s funny though, my wife said the very same thing!!!
Looks really good, can’t wait to see this!
I’m excited too. I loved the movie it’s based on. And with Hanks, it looks like a lot of fun.