Otto wakes up, goes to the hardware store, checks on the neighborhood, and goes to work. His co-workers surprise Otto with a retirement party. Otto won’t fake his enthusiasm because his boss pushed him out by giving him fewer hours and promoting Otto’s trainee to Otto’s supervisor. Otto took his severance package and retired. Otto scoffs at the Dyn & Merika signs for the new condos. The realtors are trying to entice Otto and his neighbors to sell, but they remain firm.
After Otto’s neighborhood checks, he helps his new neighbor, Marisol, and her husband, Tommy, and their two daughters parallel park their moving trailer. Before Marisol can thank Otto, he walks away and goes home. Otto cancels his utilities, anchors a rope to the ceiling, and hangs himself. Otto sees visions of his late wife, Sonya, as he slips away, but the metal ring breaks before he dies. Otto isn’t happy to be alive. Instead, he is upset that you can’t find decent material these days. Otto doesn’t see the point of living without Sonya, and Otto will try again to end it. However, the neighborhood he pushed away will unknowingly come to his rescue, and he theirs.
Based on A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and a remake of A Man Called Ove, this movie weaves humor and sadness expertly (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Otto is a grumpy, older man screaming at the changing of the times in the beginning. However, you get to know his story during each attempt. You witness Otto and Sonya meet, fall in love, and marry. Within the flashback, you learn how the neighborhood developed and fell apart. Otto’s cantankerous behavior is valid, although misdirected. Each person in his life keeps Otto engaged and unwillingly fighting. If you cried at the beginning of Up, be prepared to have your tissues ready. This film will stay with you.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Parallel to what? – Otto
No more grown-ups – Tommy
I’m something – Marisol
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