The Film Scout

December

By John Houzer

Okay, people, what’s going on? No, this isn’t just the way I’m opening this article—I’m genuinely asking. What is going on? This past month has felt like the longest year of my life, and I need someone to confirm I’m not losing it.

Let’s get into it. The big fight? No, I’m not talking about the election. I’m talking about Tyson vs Logan. Yeah, I didn’t care about the punches or who got knocked out. The only part that caught my attention was the behind-the-scenes chaos. I’m obsessed with the logistics of pulling off a show like that—especially the live-streaming side of it. Netflix’s live stream was... well, not great. If they plan on streaming the Christmas football game, they better sort out their technical kinks. They’ve had a couple of trial runs already, from Chris Rock’s special to Joe Rogan’s events and Love is Blind. Yet here we are. Honestly, I’d watch an entire documentary on what it takes to create a live event like this. Give me the production drama, the tech meltdowns, the whole messy circus.

And in the midst of all this chaos, including elections; and Clingstones, I’ve found solace where I always do: movies and TV shows. Honestly, it’s been a solid reminder that while the real world might feel like a bad pilot episode, the fictional worlds out there are delivering. So let’s dive into the good stuff, the shows and movies which have been keeping me sane and glued to my screen.

THE PENGUIN

Let me level with you. The Batman wasn’t just my favorite movie of 2022; it’s my favorite Batman. Period. Yes, I know Michael Keaton fans exist, and they have every right to their opinions, even if those opinions are, let’s say, “nostalgically incorrect.” But seriously, Matt

Reeves has built a world here, a dark, brooding Gotham you can’t look away from, the kind of Gotham that feels like it has its own pulse, its own agenda.

So when they announced a spin-off show about the Penguin, I was skeptical. My reaction? “Here we go again, milking a great superhero movie for five spin-offs.” I didn’t watch the trailer. I didn’t read the hype. I figured it’d be “fine at best” and moved on. Boy, was I wrong.

I’m glad I binged this show, completely unaware it was a weekly release. Watching it all at once felt like a continuation of The Batman. It picks up just a week after the movie, and honestly? You could roll straight from the film into this show without missing a beat. Gotham remains a living, breathing character – corrupt, gritty, and absolutely mesmerizing.

Colin Farrell as Oswald Cobblepot—the Penguin— is a revelation. Forget the campy versions you’ve seen before; Farrell gives us a layered, tragic, and dangerously ambitious character. He’s a villain you can’t help but root for, even when you know he’s the absolute worst. And then there’s Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone. She brings so much raw complexity to the screen that by the finale, I was both heartbroken and craving more.

The show masterfully balances themes of guilt, power, and family trauma while staying firmly rooted in Gotham’s twisted world. Even if you’ve never seen The Batman, you could dive into this and enjoy it as a standalone series. With only eight episodes, it’s a lean, tightly written ride. I’m calling it now: this show is headed for Emmy nominations. You can catch The Penguin streaming on MAX.

ANORA

Anora is chaos in cinematic form, and I mean that as a compliment. Written and directed by Sean Baker, this romantic comedy stars Mikey Madison as a Brooklyn sex worker who impulsively marries a Russian billionaire’s son. If that premise sounds unhinged, buckle up, it’s even wilder than you think.

The movie oozes anxiety in the best way, hitting almost Uncut Gems levels of intensity while keeping the story tight and surprisingly cohesive. Think of it as an “elevated” version of Pretty Woman if Julia Roberts had to navigate Jerry Springer worthy drama. Baker, who also edited the film, wastes no time. From the opening shot, you’re thrown headfirst into the madness. This isn’t a “background noise” movie; it demands your full attention.

Sean Baker’s decision to serve as the film’s editor also shines through. His editing style, tight, punchy, and unapologetically direct, keeps the story moving. Every cut feels intentional, heightening the tension and comedy simultaneously. This movie throws you in from literally the first shot.

Anora won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. That’s right! it’s not just me raving about this film. Critics and audiences alike have been praising its bold storytelling and unconventional charm. In fact, there’s already buzz that Anora could snag a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars, with Mikey Madison firmly in the running for Best Actress. Mikey Madison does her career best in this film. She also appeared in Scream 5, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Much like Demi Moore in The Substance, Madison gives so much of herself on screen, not just physically but emotionally.

If you’re looking for something bold, hilarious, and completely off-the-rails, this one’s for you. Anora is not just a movie; it’s an experience. You can catch it in theaters now.