Review: “A Man Called Otto” Broadway shows you must see

by Annette Henderson Staff Writer

On January 13, Sony Pictures released “A Man Called Otto” in the United States. The picture follows the storyline of an unhappy widower, Otto, played by Tom Hanks. He has lost motivation in life, until a family of four moves in across the street. Marisol, the mother of the new neighboring family, is a joyful pregnant woman who builds a relationship with Otto — leaving his life changed for the better.

The film is based on the novel, “A Man Called Ove”, written by Swedish writer Fredrik Backman and published in

2012. This creation of an American film adaptation of the book has inspired many to read it.

Despite the main setting throughout the film being Otto’s neighborhood, the comedy had many unexpectedly interesting aspects to the plot.

In the production, a unique character was Malcolm, a transgender teenager. He was kicked out of his house because of his sexual identity, but Otto allowed Malcolm to stay with him during this time.

It is especially notable to see representation of the LGBTQ+ community in this movie, which is being played in theaters all across America. Tom Hanks is a widely loved actor and his kindness toward a transgender teenager could have a positive influence on how people in that community are treated.

Overall, the film was very relatable for all age demographics. It was especially relatable to teenagers when Otto did a heroic action, which consequently went viral on social media. It went viral in the form of a reel, which was comedic to high schoolers who use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Furthermore, many can relate to having at least one of the various types of neighbors featured throughout the movie.

What was not depicted in the previews was Otto’s troubles with mental health. This was unexpected because one would imagine a person of his age to be content with his life and retirement. But rather, Otto lost his sense of purpose without his wife. The turmoil caused by his forced retirement led him to have disturbing thoughts and made the film difficult to watch at times.

Throughout the movie, viewers feel many contrasting emotions that it is difficult to name a genre to fit this film. It is a comedy, but at times it is also a drama because of how deep and emotional it gets. In other moments, it feels as if it were a romance when viewers rewatch Otto’s relationship with his late wife.

Despite acquiring mixed reviews from the public, there were many powerful messages to be taken away and was loved by The Catalyst.

by Dayna Sockol & Kayla Hollister Staff Writers

As past shows return and newer shows begin their national tours, the next several months will see many interesting Broadway shows opening in San Francisco.

The movie “Mean Girls” was turned into a Broadway musical in April 2018. We assure those who are unfamiliar with the typical high school girl problems that they will have a blast watching this one. Bright Cady Heron attended home school her whole life and was raised by the majority in Africa. When the famed popular girls named the “Plastics” pursue Cady, she and her new friends decide it’s time to overthrow their rule. Will Cady’s desire for vengeance against the Plastics become less important as she gets sucked into their world? Opening night for this show is January 31 and will be in our local city, San Francisco.

The winner of six Tony Awards, “Dear Evan Hansen” opened on Broadway in 2016 and the production ran until the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of many shows. “Dear Evan Hansen” follows high school senior Evan Hansen’s experiences with social anxiety and reinvention and is sure to bring many viewers to tears with emotional music, which earned the composers several awards. The show opened at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco on January 24, 2023 and will continue to run until February 19.

“Come From Away,” which opened on Broadway in 2017, tells the true story of the commercial airplanes that were forced to make emergency landings following the terror attack on September 11, 2001. Nearly forty planes and their passengers landed in a remote town in Newfoundland. Each playing multiple characters, the cast brings to life the experiences and forged connections of the passengers of one plane and the town residents. “Come From Away” is the powerful, hopeful and touching story of compassion in the midst of fear and panic. The show will open on April 11 and run until April 23.

“Hadestown,” an adaptation of a Greek myth premiered on Broadway in 2019 and went on to win eight Tony Awards. In the world of the show, Orpheus and Eurydice are both living in poverty and suffering the effects of extreme climate change, which drives Eurydice to work in the industrialized underworld— Hadestown. The musical follows the love stories of several characters, as well as exploring themes of politics, desperation and hope. While Hadestown does not open in San Francisco until September 2023, the popularity of the show means that tickets will be going fast once they are on sale.