This month we are featuring a film and four series that are currently streaming on either Hulu or Netflix. The film was chosen because of the talented cast, the sensitive subject matter, and the daring, yet compassionate way it is presented.

We have a musical romantic comedy about learning to face our fears, a legal drama with a twist, an unlikely spy story, and finally a fictional glimpse into the world of international diplomacy.  

A Man Called Otto – Tom Hanks is wonderful as the grumpy old man next door.  Recently widowed Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks) has been nudged into accepting a retirement package from his company. Otto is a perfectionist who cares deeply about his neighborhood – especially making sure everyone follows the rules of the homeowner’s association. For the most part, his life is quiet, orderly, and unbearably lonely. When developers come after his neighborhood trying to buy houses to tear down and replace with high-rise condominiums, it’s the last straw, and Otto sees no reason to go on living. His plans for a neat and orderly suicide are interrupted when a young family moves in across the street. They are super friendly and embrace Otto as family despite his best efforts to remain aloof and carry out his plans.

Otto lives by a strict ethical code and cannot turn his back on anyone in need. He begrudgingly befriends a young trans teen who was a former student of his wife. Hanks’ transformation (aided by strong performances from the supporting cast – especially Mariana Trevino as Marisol) is a joy to watch.  He isn’t always likeable, but as his story unfolds, we get to see the real Otto and Tom Hanks makes us fall in love with Otto. A Man Called Otto is a remake of the 2015 Swedish film, A Man Called Ove based on the 2012 novel of the same name by Fredrik Backman. Aging, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts are serious issues, and the film manages to deal with these issues with sensitivity and a bit of humor. Available to watch with a subscription to Netflix. Available to rent from Redbox or on YouTube, Vudu, Apple Tv, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies and TV.

Up Here is a musical romantic comedy starring Mae Whitman as Lindsay and Carlos Valdes as Miguel. Lindsay has a safe, but boring, life in Vermont. She dreams of becoming a writer, but her family discourages her and pushes her to marry her boring fiancé Ned. All her life, Lindsay has allowed herself to be guided by the opinions of others. Days before her wedding, she wins a writing contest in New York City and decides to leave her boring life and Ned behind. Unfortunately the contest is not as prestigious as Lindsay believed it to be. After moving to NYC, she has to scramble to find employment sand housing. She meets Miguel a financial analyst convinced he needs to become an investment banker. Their chemistry is instant, but neither Lindsay nor Miguel can escape the voices in their heads telling them to play it safe.

A musical series is a risky undertaking, but Whitman and Valdes sing and dance beautifully. It’s not your typical musical where girl meets boy, and they live happily ever after. True love doesn’t run smoothly, and unfortunately Hulu did not renew it for a second season. If you want a fun eight-episode escape, give it a watch.

The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix is a series based on Michael Connelly’s book series of the same name. You’ve also probably seen Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller in the 2011 film by the same name. In the series, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo stars as Mickey Haller, a lawyer known for working out of his cars – all Lincolns. At the beginning of the series, Haller isn’t practicing law. After a freak surfing accident he became addicted to pain medication and has been concentrating on his rehab. After Jerry Vincent, a defense attorney, is murdered, Haller inherits his practice including a high-profile murder case where a tech billionaire/video game designer, Trevor Ellic (Christopher Gorman), is suspected of murdering his wife and her lover. Haller sets out on a probationary basis to represent all of Vincent’s clients. Haller hires Izzy (Jazz Raycole) a former addict, to be his driver. His first ex-wife, Maggie (Neve Campbell), works for the district attorney’s office and Haller is trying to repair their relationship. His second ex-wife, Lorna (Becky Newton), who is dating Haller’s investigator, Cisco ( Angus Sampson) is Haller’s office manager.

It’s a quirky set-up, but it works. Garcia-Rulfo is brilliant as Haller. It’s the kind of show that keeps you guessing and involved. Netflix has ordered a second season which is supposed to be based on Connelly’s fourth book in the series, The Fifth Witness.

The Recruit is a Netflix series about a young lawyer working for the CIA. Owen, played by Noah Centineo (Jesus on seasons 3-5 of The Fosters), is hired by the CIA to help manage their legal matters. When a former CIA asset threatens to expose her relationship to the CIA unless she’s released from prison and her name is cleared, Owen is thrust into the world of intrigue and espionage. He’s completely untrained, but somehow manages to muddle through, do his job, and save the day. Many of his antics are funny. Others are exciting. It’s a lot of fun to watch, but there are also serious moments as we learn more about Owen’s past and his co-workers. Netflix has ordered a second season.

The Diplomat is a Netflix series starring Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as her husband Hal. Kate, a career diplomat is headed to the Middle East to avert a crisis when she’s ordered to report to the UK to serve as the U.S. ambassador to divert another crisis. Hal, a former ambassador, and career diplomat must become “the supportive husband,” but old habits die hard. It’s great to see a strong role for a woman and Russell is the perfect choice. Kate , who is more comfortable in pants than ball gowns, must learn to make concessions about her personal life while remaining focused on her job. Hal has to learn how to not be in charge. It’s an interesting dynamic and a glimpse into the world of international diplomacy. Is it 100% accurate? It’s fiction, so liberties will be taken, but many aspects of a diplomat’s life are spot on. Netflix has ordered a second season.