A Man Called Otto

This slice of superior schmaltz has Tom Hanks as a fastidious late-middle-aged grump who hates everyone, from overcharging shop assistants to neighbours who put their recycling in the wrong bin.

A follow-the-dots flick with a few moments of charm that aims to be a feel-good crowd pleaser, but lacks enough freshness and insight to make it anything special.

Despite the film’s flaws, what audiences will take away is a humanizing experience by a group of misfits who are learning that getting along can also be lifesaving.

If you were to start [this remake and the original] at the exact same moment, I promise it wouldn't make any difference which one you looked at. But you know why? Because all the scenes were working in the first movie, too.

I haven’t read the 2012 Swedish book or 2015 film that this is based on, but I can’t imagine either could be half as tone-deaf.

Foster and Hanks make this increasingly sentimental film go down easy.

Foster’s adaption and Magee’s script works well capturing themes of depression, while also providing moments that are uplifting.

A terrific Tom Hanks in an endearing dark-comedy.

A Man Called Otto is not a waste of time by any stretch, but it also does not demand your attention in any strong measure.

I did occasionally find it just a bit too pat and too contrived to melt my more critical lens entirely, but it won me over with its nicely handled comedic touches, lovely performances, and both its clear-eyed positivity and its shamelessly huge heart.