Movies

The Penguin gets impressive Rotten Tomatoes score in first reviews

BBG News

As a long-time fan of gritty crime dramas with a twist of superhero lore, I must say that I am utterly intrigued by the early buzz surrounding “The Penguin.” Having grown up on classics like The Sopranos and Batman, this series seems to be a perfect blend of both worlds.

The Penguin has landed an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score ahead of its release.

In a new series titled “The Penguin,” we find ourselves in the aftermath of the 2022 Batman movie, where Colin Farrell reprises his role as the notorious antagonist Oswald Cobb. This show delves into the life of Oswald, more famously known as the Penguin, as he ascends through the criminal ranks of Gotham City.

Next week, the highly-acclaimed mini-series “Max” will debut on our streaming platform. It’s currently garnering exceptional reviews from critics, boasting a remarkable 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

According to Digital Spy’s review, The Penguin show shares some similarities with The Sopranos in its storytelling style. It pointed out that the events of The Batman (which occurred a week before The Penguin) were seamlessly woven into Oswald’s daily life, providing a smooth transition for viewers as they delve into the new series.

In a critique, Farrell’s interpretation of the Penguin was noted as “oily, cunning, yet somewhat endearing,” causing viewers to grapple with their feelings towards the antagonist. The analysis further stated: “Despite himself, you find yourself cheering him on as he strives for power and manages to dodge perilous circumstances just in time.

In summary, similar to Oswald himself, the series ‘The Penguin’ often comes close to greatness by delivering captivating performances and solid storytelling. However, it occasionally dips into less engaging mob politics, and the Arkham scenes feel more akin to comic book tropes, falling short of the gritty realism aimed for in other parts of the show.

Here’s what other critics have been saying:

NME

As we move forward from the gritty start, this series becomes surprisingly captivating, and Paddy Considine’s performance, heavily disguised with makeup, continues to be astonishing. With a follow-up to “The Batman” confirmed, Gotham is becoming increasingly congested.

Empire

“Throughout, LeFranc pulls off the tricky balance of making the titular character feel sympathetic and even likeable, while never forgetting to remind us of his ruthlessness.”

Collider

As a gamer, I’d say “Just like how ‘The Sopranos’ delved into the struggle to rise from obscurity to ruling over others, ‘The Penguin’ explores the reasons behind our thirst for power and the actions we take once we possess it.

The Penguin will debut on Max in the US on September 19, and NOW and Sky Atlantic in the UK on September 20.

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2024-09-13 19:20

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