Early contender for the first potential ‘sleeper’ hit of the year – sees Oscar-winner Tom Hanks shine as a grumpy old cynic.
He may just fall shy of award nomination recognition – maybe due to balancing issues with this drama itself more than his stellar work alone – but there’s no doubt this moving tale will pull on the heartstrings for most.
And despite being accessible to every adult cinema-goer, this is particularly ‘food and drink’ to the 50-80-year-old demographic – who will absolutely lap up this comedy-drama.
Based on the best-selling Swedish novel-turned-film, Hanks stars as a recently-widowed misanthrope – basically a man who avoids human society as much as possible – Otto Anderson living in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The grouchy man is a stickler for rules and routines, taking great pride in maintaining order and cleanliness in his community – and taking out his aggression on anyone who crosses his path as he struggles with the death of his wife Sonya, six months ago.
This immense grief – with their relationship in the sixties/seventies played by younger versions of themselves (Truman Hanks and Rachel Keller) in flashbacks – leaves Otto continuously trying to find ways to commit suicide, so he can once again be with his ‘true love’.
But his world is turned upside down when a new Hispanic family moves in across the street, led by the lively pregnant wife Marisol (Mariana Trevino), her dim-witted husband Tommy (The Magnificent Seven’s Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and two young daughters.
Though initially resistant, the enigmatic enthusiasm of Marisol to involve Otto in their everyday life soon becomes infectious, and slowly the negative man starts to open up and embrace some of the joys of life – leading to him helping them through various challenges as he gets drawn into their world.
And as a nice side story, befriending Trans teen Malcolm (Mack Bayda), who reveals to Otto that he was warmly helped by his ex-teacher wife before she died, as the movie constantly swaps between being a comedic, dramatic and heart-tugging affair.
That may also be its downfall, as World War Z and Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster sometimes struggles to interconnect all the ‘tones’ flowing throughout the movie into one coherent piece. That may have put paid to Hanks’ best acting chances alongside the exceptional Trevino. Because when they’re not on screen, the film struggles.
But on the flipside, there lies the films strengths. With nice touches of comedy interspersed with heartfelt melancholy – coupled with brilliant performances from the aforementioned Hanks/Trevino – this is emotively watchable throughout.
Which makes this easy to recommend as a solid all-round film to put a smile on your face at the start of the year.
ESP Rating: 4/5
Gavin Miller
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Tom Hanks, Mariana Trevino, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Juanita Jennings, Truman Hanks, Rachel Keller, Cameron Britton, Mack Bayda & Peter Lawson Jones
Running Time: 2 Hrs 6 Mins
Director: Marc Forster
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