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This week, we’re sharing a heavy hitting drama about some very bad men with NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and a light hearted comedy about the troubles of growing up with some very annoying brothers with MALCOM IN THE MIDDLE.

But if you’re not interested in these, check out episode 22 and episode 21.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN – Dir. The Coen Brothers (2007)

This Academy Award winner for Best Picture is about as bleak as they come. Bleak is not to be confused with unentertaining. It’s a riveting and fascinating story about chance, greed, and commitment, but lacks severely in hope and optimism. Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin star as a weathered Sheriff of a small Texas town, a mysterious and incredibly dangerous criminal, and the lucky son of a gun who happened upon a briefcase full of money, respectively. What transpires is a cat and mouse chase with the stakes being a lot more than money for everyone involved.

Gripping is the best word I can think of to describe this film. The entire movie has you glued to your seat desperately attempting not to blink. From the amazing performances from the entire cast to the beauty of Roger Deakins’ cinematography, there’s nothing that holds No Country back from that rightfully deserved Best Picture win. If you haven’t seen it already, you’re really missing out and if you haven’t seen it in a while, watch it again and find yourself enthralled all over again. And while you’re at it, read Cormac McCarthy’s book that the movie was adapted from. The movie is extremely faithful but McCarthy’s words add a new level not present in the adaptation.

MALCOM IN THE MIDDLE – Seven Seasons (2000-2007)

On the other end of the spectrum we have Malcolm, a young kid with three wild brothers who finds himself placed in the gifted program at school. This sets up the rest of his childhood to be plagued with harassment and crazy situations from his entire family (his parents aren’t much different from the kids). Bryan Cranston plays Malcolm’s father in an easily (and unfortunately) forgotten role due to his amazing filmography.

The main thing that sets this show apart from any of the other countless family driven stories is the uniqueness of the characters. They feel absurd and over the top while simultaneously being people you’ve known or even grown up with your entire life. While all of them can get on your nerves with their poor decision making skills, you can’t help but laugh at their struggles and feel joy in the rare moments when they come together as a family and stop screaming at one another. It’s also amazing to watch the cast grow up in front of your eyes. Frankie Muniz is 30 years old now! Can you believe that?

Welcome back to our (not so) bi-weekly Netflix Instant Stream recommendations! We hope you’ve had a fantastic summer so far, watching lots of movies and catching lots of Pokémon. After all, that’s all that matters this summer; Movies and Pokémon. Luckily, Netflix has got us covered!

But if you’re not an avid Pokémon Trainer, check out Episode 21 and Episode 20.

POKÉMON: IDIGO LEAGUE – Season 1 (1998)

Going all the way back to the beginning, Ash Ketchum is a 10 year old boy with big dreams of becoming the World’s Greatest Pokémon Trainer. Professor Oak gives him his first Pokémon, Pikachu, who at first does not enjoy the company of his new owner, but as they journey together through the Kanto Region, they form a close relationship making many friends and enemies along the way. Together, they battle other trainers and find themselves on various adventures that ultimately lead them to the Pokémon League.

It’s likely been years since you last watched the first season of Pokémon, but no matter how much you’ve grown, it’s definitely time to watch it again. Indigo League still holds all of the charm and sense of wonder that it had 18 years ago. Ash, Misty, Brock, and all of their Pokémon friends are fun to watch and will certainly make you want to pick up your old Gameboy or (more than likely) download Pokémon GO.

POKÉMON: XY – Two Seasons (2014)

16 years later, and still 10 years old, Ash and his ever changing group of friends are still on their journey to become the best there ever was. This time, they arrive in the Kalos Region, where they continue battling Gym Leaders and trying to catch ‘em all. I can’t say this installment in the franchise is as good as some of its predecessors, because I haven’t seen them all, but it’s still a fun show that introduces you to many new Pokémon throughout this unique region. It’s refreshing to see that the creators of the show are still doing their best to keep it interesting and fresh while maintaining the key elements that made the classic series so memorable. Of course, just like the video games, the basic structure of the show is unchanged, but, just like the video games, you simply can’t get enough of it.

The two seasons of XY hold an impressive 48 episodes that culminate in the TV movie, DIANCIE AND THE COCOON OF DESTRUCTION, which is also available on the Netflix Instant Stream (though it’s not a formal recommendation for a reason).

So, sit back, launch Pokémon Go, and catch some of your favorite creatures while you watch some of your favorite characters do the same.

This week, we’re recommending some animated heavy hitters on both Netflix AND Hulu. If you’re not fortunate enough to have both, worry not. Either one is guaranteed to bring out your inner child-like excitement and wonder.

THE LITTLE PRINCE – Netflix (2015)

Perhaps you read THE LITTLE PRINCE when you were a child or, more than likely, you were required to read it as a teen in your High School French class. Regardless, it is a classic children’s tale of adventure and discovery. And there have already been a handful of fun and faithful movie adaptations in all forms; animation, live-action, musical! This time around, however, the story is retold like never before – through the eyes of a young girl searching for meaning in her overly structured and absurdly formal life.

First of all, the cast is absolutely incredible. Jeff Bridges plays the voice of the author/aviator, Rachel McAdams plays our protagonist’s mother, Paul Rudd plays a brand new character named Mr. Prince, and there are small cameos from the likes of James Franco, Benecio Del Toro, and Ricky Gervais. They weren’t playing around for a kid’s movie! What makes this iteration unique is the emphasis on bringing new material without compromising the original and classic story. The little girl meets the old Aviator who recounts his tale of meeting the Little Prince. This captures her excitement and sends her on an adventure of her very own, giving us the best of both worlds: The original story is succinct and beautiful, while the new additions shine a light on the world we live in today while bringing more fun and thrills than ever before. On top of all of that, the animation is spectacular. We’re primarily in a world of 3D animation, but the storybook segments are animated in a very unique stop-motion paper-like quality. It’s difficult to describe, but really brings the world to life.

OVER THE GARDEN WALL – Hulu (2012)

This is a ten part miniseries from Cartoon Network that premiered over a few nights in autumn of 2012. The story has a beginning, middle, and a wonderful end that will leave you both satisfied and desperately craving more. The best word I can think of to describe the tone of the show is “Nostalgia”. Not in the 1980’s STRANGER THINGS kind of way, but a feeling of both happiness and longing for a place and time that we’ve never been in. It’s spooky, charming, hilarious, and gorgeous all at the same time. Unfortunately (or fortunately) there’s nothing close enough to compare this show to, but I highly recommend going into on a blind leap of faith.

Greg and Wirt (voiced by Elijah Wood) are two young brothers who find themselves lost in the woods. While trying to find their way home, they run into all sorts of mysterious creatures and situations and are constantly being hunted by a Woodsman (Christopher Lloyd) and “The Beast”. Things start getting a little more frightening as the show progresses and takes a turn for the darker. While it was originally intended for children, the show has developed a cult-following of loyal adults who adore the relationship of the two brothers and the friendships they make along the way. There’s really no need to share any more information, but as the fall/Halloween season approaches, this is definitely something that should be on your watch list.