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If we were to go back fifty years in a time capsule and present this to the "I Love Lucy" crowds, they'd be shocked. They bicker, they complain, they whine and moan and fight - this is America today. Some of the physical gags are absolutely hilarious - the episode with Hal running out of the supermarket, a parody of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," is gut-busting - but at its heart this really is a tender and witty comedy that manages to be effective on more than one level. Like "The Simpsons," "Malcolm" manages to successfully interweave everyday family/social topics into silly plots involving all types of nonsensical stuff. The wild antics and over-the-top gags are similar to a cartoon, and even the fast-cut editing between scenes (with the "whoosing" sound) is reminiscent of an animated program.
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This show, for lack of a better word, is crazy. Cranston turns Hal into a boy at heart (as all fathers are) - only, like everything else with the show, extends it into a complete satire and goes completely wacky. Although Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) may be the titular character, it is really Bryan Cranston's characterization of the father figure, Hal, that makes the show so fun to watch. "Malcolm in the Middle" may have lost a bit of steam recently, but some of the earlier episodes are absolutely, side-splittingly hilarious. If only the rest of television comedy could be this good. Malcolm owes some of its initial success to the presence of the Simpsons, but stands on its own merit. It is funny, intelligent, insightful, inspiring, annoying, bombastic, crude, vulgar, sweet, sentimental, and wonderful.
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And, as to one reviewer's remarks about those "trashy animated shows" that precede Malcolm, the Simpsons is still the finest show on television and the greatest series to emerge in modern television. Let's hope there are more seasons to follow on TV, and previous seasons will continue on DVD. This series was worthy of its DVD release. It was a brilliant idea and a hilarious episode. What is even more remarkable, is that the episode was conceived by a young girl the niece (I think) of one of the crew members. The episodes leading up to the new baby were fantastic, but my favorite was Lois' fantasy of having all girls. The series did struggle in it's most recent season, starting out somewhat uneven but, it found its center and came on strong in the end. All of the guest stars leave an impression and even small parts have led to greater roles. Bryan is a master of timing and reaction, as well as an expert in the use of his voice. Jane is Mother Nature, a force to be reckoned with. The adults are marvels,especially Jane Kaczmarek ad Bryan Cranston. The kids are more than cute, they have personality. Each part has been masterfully filled by a talented actor.
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Next to the writing, the casting is the most amazing aspect of this show. So many started out as one-time appearances that grew into regulars like Craig, Stevie, Lloyd and Dabney. Even the secondary characters are memorable. This is not an ideal family, but it is closer to reality than most. It is consistently funny, with a certain skewed warmth. The writing and acting in this show is first rate. Lois rules the roost, and a good thing too she's the glue that holds things together. Hal is the sensitive, but none too bright father a bit like Homer, without the level of vulgarity. He was exiled to military school until emancipating himself and heading off to Alaska. He is obsessed with his mother and a mess because of it. Francis, the oldest, is the irresponsible one, a true rebel. Dewey, until recently youngest, has a rich fantasy life and a devious streak that has grown with each season.
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Brother Reese is a dim thug, but no one picks on his brothers but him. Malcolm, he of the show title, is a genius with all that entails but, he has a family of maniacs. The family is a mess, but they do genuinely care for each other. It both encapsulates and exaggerates real life. In some ways I liken this to a live Simpsons. One of the most original and funniest shows in many years.