August 2019 Films and Series

Bosch (Seasons 1-3). Based on Michael Connelly's best-selling detective series, Bosch season 1 follows threads: Bosch's investigation into the decades-old death of a young boy, a serial killer who attacks young prostitutes, and Bosch's civil trial for shooting a suspect.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Season 3). I loved every season of this comedy series. Its 30-minute length episodes made it particularly good to watch while I was on the treadmill, and that's how I watched most of the three seasons. This is the final season of the show, and I was happy to see that all of the story lines were tied up with happy endings.

Stockholm. This was an entertaining portrayal of the events during the bank robbery after which Stockholm Syndrome is named. The film starts by claiming that it is "Based on an absurd but true story.” But the actions of the two main characters and the police seem so silly that it's hard to believe; I would have to read more about it to know for sure how much of this was fictionalized for the film. Either way, the actors are excellent, and the film is a fast-paced, entertaining romp.

Tolkien. I loved this film about J.R.R. Tolkien. This film tells about his childhood, including the early loss of both parents, his placement with a foster mother, his mentorship by a family friend and priest, and his education. Tolkien was fortunate to have the support of his mentor who placed him into a good secondary school that prepared him well for Oxford and an academic career. Tolkien meets friends at school who develop a close bond that lasts through college. Enlisting in the armed forces to fight in WWI, Tolkien loses two friends to the war, and loses touch with the third. But the film shows how the horrors of war and his youthful friendships inspired many of the themes that he later wrote about in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This film was inspiring and touching.

Victoria (Season 1). Very good historical series telling the story of Queen Victoria, beginning with her ascension to the throne at age 18. There are lots of inaccuracies, I assume to spice up the story and increase the drama, but it's a lot of fun, nevertheless.

Trainspotting. Second time around with this film; loved it as much as the first time.

Elementary (season 7). So sad that this is the final season, but glad they were given a happy ending.