I was a bit lukewarm on Batman 2022 (it was dark, stylish and well-acted but I also remember it being just oppressively long sitting there watching it in the theater) but so far I like this better. No real attempt at sympathetic characters, it’s pretty much just all a nest of violent minded backstabbing villains, but that’s fun sometimes. Farrell and Cristin Miloti are both excellent, some good sudden moments of murder & ownage. Scenes with dementia mom slow things down tho.

I fell for the positive comments :/ Barely made it to episode 4 but got too tired of crime bosses personally engaging in all sorts of goon stuff with no bodyguards. Could have been good if it wasn't so rushed. Anything that's needed to move the plot forward quickly, right?

Exceptional! Better Call Saul of the Comic book spin-off series!

(2 episodes)

A Bronx Tale about a kid with a bum leg who grows up to become Tony Soprano and eventually King of New York. Effort was expended, notably by the star and his makeup team, but major plot points are too predictable long in advance and the psychodrama is only so-so.

Not every series in the Batman universe needs to rely on the Dark Knight to shine, and The Penguin proves that brilliantly. This spin-off leans entirely on Colin Farrell’s unhinged, unrecognizable, and magnificent performance, bringing Oz to life with a mix of pathos, brutality, and overwhelming ambition. Cristin Milioti isn’t far behind, delivering an intensity that sparks in every scene she shares with Farrell. Together, they build a tension that escalates with each episode. The show knows ex

3.5 episodes. Reviewers really seem to confuse good production values with good writing.

Groundbreaking actor Farrell. Close to the aesthetic of Batman (2022). I liked the surprise ending of the first season. I don't think more seasons are needed.

Really compelling. Farrell and Miloti give outstanding performances, and the storytelling is just generally very strong. It's about as down-to-earth as you could make a comic book story. Some exceptionally dark plot points, and they never hold back.

Absolutely loved it! A concise and captivating series with an outstanding performance by Farrell

While the pacing is generally slow, the dark tone and stellar performances from Farrell and Milioti make it worthwhile. Both Sofia and Vic are characters I really enjoyed following and getting to know, and episode 4 is fantastic all around. This series is good on its own, but it might even retroactively improve the movie thanks to how it fleshes out some of the characters and the Falcone family.

for stupidos

First Half 10/10, Second Half 6.5/10

Impressive acting and tight writing all the way through. A rare thing these days.

Good so far, partially through the only season out. Farrell mostly carries over his performance from The Batman. However, with much more focus and screen time, there are are definite moments where his accent drops out here. They have established a very cohesive tone, character, and environment with everything feeling in it's place. Even wackier characters and settings (Milioti/Arkham/bank vault bedroom) all exist harmoniously with clear reasons for being, and identities which suit their purpose.

Good series, enjoy the atmosphere of Gotham. Really like that all characters have cracks, no invincible protagonist, I feel like they are all human.

An incredible origin story about an iconic comic book villain. Collin Farell is beyond perfect in the role, as he digs deep to access real, raw emotion fitting for such a dark universe. The writing is exceptional as well, but perhaps the best part about the whole thing is the commendable resistance of the urge to once again make a despicable evil character sympathetic in some way.

Two episodes in it feels like a very mid Sopranos pastiche with Colin Farrell doing a James Gandolfini soulful monster impression from under a mountain of prosthetics. Ep 3 and 4 focus on Vic and Sofia, respectively, and the series starts picking up. Family turns out to be the unifying theme with all the characters either undervaluing or overvaluing family ties.

HBO brings DC into the realm of prestige crime drama and it works. DC and Max or HBO whatever may not put out as many shows as Marvel and Disney Plus, but when they do, so far, they put out stuff that makes most of the Marvel stuff to shame. And this is just another case of that. The best superhero -or superhero-adjacent - show of the year, despite having no superheroes.

Penguins can’t fly, but Colin Farrell’s performance soared.

I can't believe a Penguin TV series,spun off from a full Batman movie, can be this well written and acted.

It’s just really well put together and full of good performances. Complements Reeves’ Batman nicely. Worth your time.

It began with a lot of potential and some very solid characters in performances. What happened in the middle was it fumbled the ball on the goaline and tried to get everything back by the end. It didn't work in the long run because they didn't have lasting choices with resounding impact for the future. Which is what was teased. They could have done so much more to grow out this version of Gotham and the mythos that surround The Batman and the people of Gotham.

Great central performance by Colin Farrell, a certain Emmy nom if not win. But I found the serious draaagged as it went on.

The Penguin is a gripping mini-series set in Matt Reeves' The Batman universe, exploring Gotham’s dark criminal world. Colin Farrell excels as Oswald Cobblepot, blending intensity with complexity, while Cristin Milioti brings strength and vulnerability to Sophia. Rhenzy Feliz and Deirdre O'Connell add depth to this gritty tale. With Gotham’s intense atmosphere and layered characters, The Penguin emerges as one of the most compelling recent crime dramas. It was simply perfect. I loved it.

Pretty lame as a gangster story that at times felt like was imitating The Soprano. Neveetgeless, Farrell Plays Penguin with dedication and believability. Story is grim and i line with Batman 2022 style.

Glad they didn't waste a movie on yet another origin story. Giving it a full series was a much better format. HBO quality is always great, it got stale at times and some character arcs make no sense but overall quite an enjoyable show which injects some much needed character building in a bland franchise.

no pun no fun

Great performances, good cinematography, and a compelling story. The immersion-breaking feminist lecturing is kept slightly below the level expected in the year of our Lord current. Will deduct more points if it gets more obnoxious.

(2 episodes)

(Episode 1)