O-T-T-O

Like many people I know, we went to a Man Called Otto, starring Tom Hanks, last weekend.  I was a reluctant Otto goer.  I saw the original 2015 movie, A Man Called Ove, a few years ago and loved it.  I thought this might just be a sanitized version of a gem.

However, it was a rainy day and my husband thought a movie was just the ticket.  We watched our Seahawks lose to the 49ers in the wild card playoffs on Saturday and my husband was ready for something uplifting.

So, off we went and I am so glad we did!  We both loved the movie.  Tom Hanks was priceless, as were all the other characters. The story generally followed the original movie but was updated with an American twist.

I’m not going to reveal the plot or the ending, but I am going to give it 100%, despite Rotten Tomatoes only giving it 69%.  But please notice the audience score of 97%.  I’m on Team Audience for this one😊. And I think the movie appeals to all ages.

For me, there were some takeaways from the movie:

• Routines can keep you going, even during difficult times.
• Love comes in many forms, including the love of a cat.
• Don’t hold a grudge.
• Don’t give up on a friend!
• Speaking of friends, cultivate friends of different generations and cultures.
• Profound change is possible (but don’t count on it)

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from the book the movie is based on, A Man Called Ove:

“We always think there’s enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like ‘if’.”

Fredrik Backman

“We fear it, yet most of us fear more than anything that it may take someone other than ourselves. For the greatest fear of death is always that it will pass us by. And leave us there alone.”

Fredrik Backman

It is difficult to admit that one is wrong. Particularly when one has been wrong for a very long time.

Fredrik Backman

Have a good week and, if you can, go to the movie😊.

Allene

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