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?