‘MALCOM IN THE MIDDLE: LIFE’S STILL UNFAIR’ REVIEW

This review was made possible thanks to screeners from Hulu

Families are complicated and none more so than Malcom’s, which is a family that growing up made a lot of us feel better about our own. It’s been 20 years since we last saw Malcom and his family, and in this mini revival, we are gearing up for Hal and Lois’s big 40th anniversary party! Does this revival hit all of the notes and capture the magic the show once did?

20 years on, and Malcom has moved across the county and become estranged from his family. Kelly, now played by Vaghan Murrae, who we saw in the series finale being born, is navigating her way through life, and Reese (Justin Berfield) is very much still Reese. Jamie is off in the Coast Guard, and Francis (Christopher Masterson) and his wife are back for the big celebration. Of course, Dewey (Caleb Ellsworth-Clark) is the only one missing as they are off on tour and unable to make it back.

The series instantly transports us back in time, and the nostalgia is firing on all cylinders. This family is still just as insane as the day we left them in 2006, and honestly, that is a good thing. The standout by far is Bryan Cranston, who we have become accustomed to seeing in more serious roles as of late, still has the comedic timing and lovable humor as Hal. In fact, the entire four episodes largely seem to be a love letter to his character.

Frankie Muniz Jr. seems not to have aged a day or even stopped playing Malcom at all as he slips right back into the character and even takes this up a notch as he is struggling to reconcile his estrangement from everyone else. We meet him having a teenage daughter, Leah, played by Keeley Karsten, whose mom left when she was young. Malcom has become the overbearing loving parent in an effort to not be anything like his own parents which leads to some awkward and hilarious moments. Keeley fits perfectly into this world, and I would love to revive the series, even following her around as the main character with everyone else.

The four episodes felt far too short for me, as the series picks up without skipping a beat. It is full of fun cameos, chaotic family drama, and so much beautiful heart and humor. In a time when everyone wants to hit on nostalgia, this feels like the perfect one. Make sure to watch this series as you will not be disappointed at all!

Grade: 5/5

‘Malcom in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair’ four-part series premieres on Disney+/Hulu April 10th and let us know how you liked it!

Be sure to check out more reviews from our Editor in Chief Matt, as well!