The comedy-drama "A Man Called Otto" is about a grumpy old man who has given up but finds a new lease on life after a series of changes in his environment. It's a story you've probably seen dozens of times before. However, the formula works quite well again this time around.

I was relieved to see Tom Hanks in a more normal role again. I had the impression that he had lost all sense of subtlety in his acting after "Elvis" and "Pinocchio," but in "A Man Called Otto", he plays a much less over-the-top character. His recent penchant for overacting is undetectable here.

The rest of the cast is solid. Mariana Treviño, in particular, is convincing as Otto's new neighbor. Meanwhile, the plot is predictable at every turn. However, director Marc Forster at least succeeds in triggering exactly the emotions he wants the viewer to feel. If a scene is supposed to be funny, then you definitely have to chuckle. If it is emotional, you're bound to shed a tear or two. In combination with the music, this is often filmed in a somewhat manipulative way, but it works quite well.

You definitely shouldn't expect much innovation or creativity from this film. But it is definitely a movie with its heart in the right place.