“The Penguin."

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“The Penguin” (HBO) action/drama miniseries, based on the DC Comics character of the same name, or a spin-off from the 2022 film “The Batman.” The story explores the rise to power of Oz “Oswald” Cobb or The Penguin in Gotham City's criminal underworld.



       As in the Batman saga, this side of the superhero lore has no supernatural heroism or mutant villains. All characters are pretty much the good guys and the bad guys. Although in “The Penguin,” there's really no good guy here. All are bad, including Oz of course. But that's okay. In fact, it was more realistic than most “realism” movies. 

       The production design's disheveled texture and cadaverous grey fit the series dark theme of evil power and gangster cool. You will not recognize Colin Farrell at all as he completely lost himself in Oz's flawed body and tortured soul. He deservedly won the Golden Globes acting award for this.

       But the real revelation is Cristin Milioti as Sofia Gigante (née Falcone). She is both wicked madness and trapped vulnerability in those big powerful eyes. Alas, she undeservedly lost the Golden Globe to Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”). 🎥👍📽

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