By John Corrado

New releases for the week of January 6th, 2023.

Theatrical Releases:

A Man Called Otto

A Man Called Otto (Limited Release): An American remake of the 2015 Swedish film A Man Called Ove, A Man Called Otto stars Tom Hanks in the role of Otto Anderson, an old grouch grieving the loss of his wife who finds a new lease on life through the help of his new neighbour (Mariana Treviño). I liked this one. The story is mostly predictable, but it works as a touching and very enjoyable dramedy that has some nicely handled emotional moments. Hanks is very good in the title role, as Treviño steals scenes. Goes wide on January 13th. (Full Review)

Corsage (TIFF Bell Lightbox): Vicky Krieps gives a striking performance as Empress Elisabeth of Austria in this reimagined period piece from the Austrian writer-director Marie Kreutzer, which plays with convention and anachronisms to offer an entertaining contemporary portrait of a dissatisfied monarch in the late-1870s. Oscar-shortlisted for Best International Feature. (Full Review)

More Releases: M3GAN (Wide)

Streaming Releases:

If These Walls Could Sing

If These Walls Could Sing (Disney+): Directed by Paul McCartney’s photographer daughter Mary McCartney, If These Walls Could Sing is an entertaining documentary about the iconic Abbey Road Studios and the legendary artists – from classical musicians to rock stars and film composers – who have recorded there, all inspired by the legacy of The Beatles. While the film offers an overview of the studio’s history, the biggest draw is hearing other musicians like Elton John, Roger Waters and John Williams share stories about their time at the studio (it’s worth it to hear Liam and Noel Gallagher separately recount the tale of the time they got thrown out). If a bit slight at just under ninety minutes and fairly conventional in its construction, If These Wall Could Sing is still pretty enjoyable and has some wonderful moments for Beatles fans, including Paul McCartney recounting the recording session for the “orchestral orgasm” at the end of “A Day in the Life,” with producer George Martin’s son Giles playing the separate tracks from the original recording.

More Releases: The Pale Blue Eye (Netflix)