Feel-Good Movie Review Series #1: A Man Called Otto & The Intern
Because some stories feel like a warm hug.
Hello movie lovers!
Welcome to the very first post in our Feel-Good Movie Review series—where we talk about movies that make you smile, sigh, and maybe even shed a tear or two (in a good way).
This week’s picks are two quiet yet powerful stories that show us how beautiful life can be—even with all its messiness and surprises. Grab your coffee and get comfy.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Genre: Drama
Starring: Tom Hanks
Where to watch: Netflix / Prime
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Let me start by saying this—Tom Hanks never disappoints. But in A Man Called Otto, he doesn’t just act—he lives the role.
Otto is a grumpy old man, set in his ways, tired of life, and honestly… done with it. But then, new neighbors move in—a chirpy young family who don’t understand the meaning of personal boundaries (in the best way possible!). And that’s where the magic begins.
Bit by bit, Otto’s walls begin to crumble. It’s a slow burn, emotional rollercoaster of a film that’ll make you laugh, cry, and want to call your own grumpy uncle.
What I loved?
The small, quiet moments. The storytelling doesn’t scream; it whispers, and you still hear everything. You feel Otto’s pain, his loneliness, and eventually, his healing. It’s one of those films that gently reminds you how much a little kindness can mean.
Perfect for: When you need a little reminder that kindness still exists. Plus you can watch this one with the kids too — it’s gentle and heartwarming for the whole family.
Rating: 4.7/5
The Intern (2015)
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Starring: Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway
Where to watch: Netflix / Prime
MPAA Rating: PG-13
The Intern follows Ben (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old widower who becomes a senior intern at a busy fashion startup run by Jules (Anne Hathaway), a young, driven woman juggling work and life. Their unlikely friendship, built on respect and learning from each other, is heartwarming and refreshing.
Perfect for: Those ‘I want something nice but not heavy’ kind of days.
Rating: 4.5/5
Have you caught Yes Day? Find out why moms love it. Here
Final Thoughts
Both A Man Called Otto and The Intern are quiet stories with big hearts. They’re about connection, second chances, and the unexpected ways life can surprise us—no matter your age.
So, next time you want to take a break from thrillers, superheroes, or loud drama—give these two a shot. They might just stay with you long after the credits roll.
Have you watched these? Did you love them as much as I did? Tell me in the comments—I love hearing from you.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.
What a delightful and heartfelt review! You captured the warm charm of A Man Called Otto and The Intern beautifully, highlighting how both films remind us of the healing power of unexpected connections. Your take on Otto’s grumpy exterior masking a tender heart and the genuine mentorship in The Intern really resonated. I loved how you balanced plot insights with personal reflections—it made me smile and feel seen. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful, feel-good analysis!
Your reviews brought the series back to life for me. A man called Otto is not a favourite as you rightly pointed out that Hanks is a grumpy old man. But I could relate to Robert De Niro as he works as on intern at 70. At 61, I am struggling to find a purpose in my life and i wish I could be employed as well.
I have watched both of them long back and loved them.I loved ‘The Intern: a little more than ‘A man called Otto” because it is more fun and is about reinventing yourself at a very late stage in life which is inspirational.On the other hand , Otto tells us that there can be pain behind grumpiness , it teaches us empathy and highlights the power of love.
Both are lovely films with layers that stay with you. Would’ve loved a deeper dive into what made Otto and Ben tick, there’s so much under the surface in both stories. I enjoyed both films and loved unpacking the existential crises in both of the main leads
I am looking forward to reading the book ” A man called Otto” but now I think I would go with the movie first. I have heard so many postive feedbacks about it. The Intern is indeed a light movie that wins tour heart. There are very few movies that my husband and I have watched together on OTT till the end and The Intern being one of them. It was such a feel good movie!
I so wanted to watch The Intern. Like how a senior has changed the way and attempted to work in a different work space
This is a perfect start for a review series. I love the way you expressed your take on it. I will watch them.
Oh, Anjali! You’ve picked two of my favourite English movies from the past decade. The Intern I’ve watched multiple times already and am kinda excited but also skeptical about its Hindi adaptation. Sigh! Btw, I agree that Tom Hanks never disappoints. He’s just magic on screen, isn’t he?
I desperately need to watch such feel-good movies now. I have been planning to watch The Intern, but somehow it never happened.
Wow, I felt the same way while watching both The Intern and A Man Called Otto. They really do carry a similar sense of warmth and quiet reflection. I appreciate how you touched on the deeper themes, especially loneliness and community. It reminded me to check in on people more often. Loved the way you wrote this ; so honest and relatable!
I loved The Intern. I have watched it twice. I think I have watched Otto also, but don’t recall it. Though, I should play it again to remember if I watched it earlier. 😀
Love both these films and your wonderful post refreshed my memories of them. A man called Otto was a film that did complete justice to the book.
I cannot connect myself much with english films much I dont know why and that is really bad of me. My husband watches it a lot and I will ask him to check this out. The reality this days I really get some time to watch Television also. Life took a u turn for me where I am very less time for entertainment…. Koi mujha sona de do bas mere yahi pukar hota ha.
The intern is one of my favorite movies I have ever seen. I haven’t watched “A man called Otto” but have heard a lot about it. However, I want to read the book first..
I have watched both and couldn’t agree with you more. Thank you for sharing this.
I have watched A Man Called Otto. I have also read the book. They have adapted it well. I am now going to watch The Intern. Thanks for sharing the reviews.
Ah, both these movies are my favourites too. Your review makes me want to rewatch them soon.
I really liked both the movies. Saw a man called Otto recently and had seen the Intern when it had released. Both have a similar theme of aging and loneliness – though very different treatments.
I haven’t watched either of them yet, but I’ve read A Man Called Otto, so I know what a wonderful movie it can be, especially when Tom Hanks does the role of Otto. Should watch both, I guess.
I’ve watched both movies and loved them for different reasons. A Man Called Otto really touched my heart with its quiet emotions, while The Intern left me smiling with its warmth and simplicity. Both are such comforting watches, I wouldn’t mind rewatching them on a lazy weekend!
Nancy Meyers is one of my favorite film makers. So when Intern came out, I knew I had to watch it! The other one, I have put it on my watchlist.
I just watched these two on Tv and i couldn’t resist. I picked the book again to indulge myself in the emotions
I love these recommendations. You have perfectly managed to get my attention. Surely watching these soon. Thank you!
Both the movies are my favorite. First, A Man Called Otto is about a grumpy soul, a painful past, and a second chance at connection. It quietly breaks you, then gently puts you back together. and The Intern A soothing hug of a film. Reminds you that age is just a number, and kindness, class, and purpose never grow old. Loved your review.
Your review made me feel like I was reassessing my own view of the film. Your honesty about its sadness and unexpected hope reminded me how deeply stories about grief, connection, and renewal can resonate.
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I really liked both these films!