Life's Still Unfair' Review: A Dull Reboot
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "Malcolm in the Middle" returns as a four-episode miniseries reboot titled "Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair" on Disney+, catching up with the family as they prepare for Hal and Lois' 40th wedding anniversary.
- The original cast, except Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey), reprises their roles, with Malcolm now a successful single dad who has limited contact with his family, while the rest of the family remains true to their original personalities.
- The reboot, created by Linwood Boomer, features Malcolm breaking the fourth wall and reveals family dynamics that include Francis and Piama living in the garage, Reese doing odd jobs, Dewey abroad, and Jamie in the Coast Guard.
- Despite Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek delivering strong performances, the series is criticized for clunky humor and lacking the charm of the original, feeling more like a reunion special than a meaningful reboot.
- The four episodes premiered on April 10 on Hulu, with a finale that offers some heartfelt moments but ultimately underscores that the original show's era has passed.
