Director Ridley Scott takes us back to the Colosseum, where his Academy Award-winning film “Gladiator” was set. The film crushed awards and put actor Russell Crowe on the map. This fall, its sequel, “Gladiator II,” goes on a blood-filled, two-and-a-half-hour epic that we know, love and expect from the director.
It’s 16 years later in Rome, and we find Lucius (Paul Mescal) in the lead role. A man defeated from battle, torn from love and tossed into the cage as a slave turned gladiator. His purpose is simple: Kill General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), who raided his city and killed his wife. But there’s more than that.
Everyone wants to know if this remains true to the original in 2000. Let’s be honest; nothing was going to be exactly as masterful as the first film. It was nominated for 12 Oscars, winning five, including Best Picture. That’s a feat that is nearly impossible to repeat. As a massive fan of the original (it’s still one of my favorites today), I can honestly say that “Gladiator II” got as close as possible to living up to its predecessor. It doesn’t quite get there, but it gets damn close.
Read on for my complete “Gladiator II” movie review!
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“Gladiator II” Movie Review: Rating Ridley Scott’s Return to Rome
Elements of an Epic
The action definitely reached new heights in the “bloody” category, as it’s absolutely brutal at times. There are decapitations, bursting arteries, body parts flying and let’s not forget the awesome animal attacks. I think that made a big difference in this film compared to the first.
The plot? Without a doubt, it does not hold the heart that the first had. However, that does not mean it isn’t present. However, as far as the emotions and drive you felt with Crowe in the first, it isn’t as emotionally demanding here. Sure, it’s a story where “Lucius” needs to display and control his emotions at times, but it isn’t the plot’s main focus this time. That’s my one big knock on this film. This is much more of an action epic, where I’d label the first as an action/drama epic.
Nostalgia was always something that people were worried about going into this. Was it going to be so overloaded with it that it watered down the plot so it wasn’t its own entity? Instead, “Gladiator II” is its own story, and of course, you have dots connecting to the original. It’s a direct sequel, but it isn’t just a fan-serviced plot that makes you think of the first film the whole time. This is Lucius’s story and a legacy he builds with brutality.
Heavyweight Action, Impeccable Acting From Denzel Washington
The action, cinematography and sets are exactly what you’d expect. “Gladiator II” is beautifully shot, with key Scott components and visuals that leave you wide-eyed. A few CGI elements didn’t look as clean as they could have, yet they still worked out. The costume design is immaculate. I loved the design from the gladiators to royalty; it was very well done. It goes to show you that Scott still “has it” when he is in love with a project.
I enjoyed Mescal’s performance quite a bit. He’s stoic at times but is completely enraged for the entirety of the film, and it’s fun to watch. Pascal was good; he almost felt a little out of place at times, and I’m not sure why. But he is always going to deliver the goods, and he does.
The true star and scene-stealer here, though, is Denzel Washington as Macrinus, the slave/gladiator buyer. You could tell he had an absolute blast with this role, and he displays all types of elements in his acting. He demands your attention when he’s on the screen and completely out-acts everyone. Shout out to the twin Emperors Joseph Quinn (Geta) and Fred Hechinger (Caracalla), who were two of the easiest people to dislike I’ve ever seen on screen. They completely owned their terrible roles. Also, Connie Nielsen’s return as Lucilla was a treat. She is the heart of this film and is as elegant as ever.
Scott Still Does His Best in This Element
To the historians who are dogging this due to inaccuracy, pound sand. It’s a movie, and it’s absolute pure entertainment. If you can’t enjoy what Scott accomplished here because of some added elements of fun, then go stick your nose in a non-fiction book. Is it over the top? Maybe a few times. That is exactly what made it a ton of fun.
Overall, “Gladiator II” is a damn blast. If you’re a fan of epics, the original film or any of Scott’s work, then this is for you. If you’re not into that or seeing people get killed the entirety of a movie by other people and animals, then it isn’t. It needs to be viewed on the biggest screen you can find, but it goes to show that there’s only one person who completely dominates the epic genre of cinema: Ridley Scott.
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