A Man Called Otto (2022)

Depressed after the death of his wife, a grumpy misanthropic widower (Tom Hanks) plans to commit suicide. But when a new family moves in across the street, he very reluctantly becomes more involved in life. Based on the novel by Fredrick Backman (previously made in Sweden in 2015) and directed by Marc Forster (MONSTER'S BALL). I liked this one though it is not without its flaws. At over two hours, it's too long. Mostly because of the many unnecessary flashbacks showing Hanks' character as a young man and husband (Truman Hanks, Tom's son) when just a couple of flashbacks would have sufficed. Yes, it's a tearjerker of a comedy (not unlike TERMS OF ENDEARMENT) and if you're a cynic, you might fight the sentimentality of it all, especially the ending but why fight it? With its inclusive characters (Latino, black, transgender) I suppose one could call it a "WOKE" (it's not meant as a derogatory term, being WOKE is a good thing) movie. With Mariana Trevino, Manuel Garcia Rulfo, Juanita Jennings, Mack Bayda, Rachel Keller and Mike Birbiglia.