REVIEW: ‘Gladiator II’ Will Leave You Entertained

Director, Sir Ridley Scott, returns with the sequel to his hit 2000 film, Gladiator, with Gladiator II. The sequel picks up years after its predecessor, where Maximus’ son, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is now an adult and no longer living in Rome. Having fled to North Africa when he was a boy, Lucius has no interest in returning to his previous life in Rome. However, when his country is infiltrated by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and the Roman army, Lucius finds himself taken prisoner by the army and forced to become a Gladiator. Under the ownership of former slave, Macrinus (Denzel Washington), Lucius has only one wish, to kill General Acacius. However, when Lucius takes his first steps into the Colosseum, he finds his Father’s wish for Rome is still, but a dream. Under the tyranny of Emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn), Lucius must decide which path to take, seek revenge or fight for the people of Rome.

Mescal is fantastic as the film’s lead. He carefully balances his action scenes and more dramatic seasons like a seasoned pro. Like Russell Crowe, there is an aura surrounding his character that will have you rooting for him from start to finish. Washington is wonderful as the flamboyant, Macrinus. He plays sinister, and charismatic beautifully, leaving you equally hating and loving his character. Pascal does well as General Marcus Acacius, but his character could have been left out entirely and nothing about the story would have changed. Writers David Scarpa and Peter Craig could have utilized the character more in not only developing Mescal’s Lucius, but also to help develop Connie Nielson’s Lucilla. One of the handful of characters to return from the original film, there wasn’t enough explanation about what happened between where we left off in the original movie to now. For a 2 and half hour-long film, this should have been a priority, but the writers merely brush over it. Quinn and Hechinger wonderfully portray Emperors Geta and Caracalla. From the second they step on screen; the audience can’t help but hate them and their psychotic behaviors.

With that being said, the movie is extremely entertaining. The actions scenes are delightful, yet extremely gruesome. Scott’s attention to detail provides vibrant scenes filled with amazing performances and funny dialogue. Yes, funny dialogue. Unlike the first film, the writers and actors, manage to find the comedy in some of the most serious of moments. Most delivered by Washington’s Macrinus, Mescal does have a line or two that will have you snickering in your seats.

Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard were the original composers who worked on Gladiator, and created a score that will live on in cinematic history. Choosing not to return for the sequel, Harry Gregson-Williams steps in to score the film, but doesn’t quite live up to the lasting impression of Gladiator. The score does a nice job of elevating the scenes, and propelling the story forward, but it’s not memorable. Nor are any of the lines. Unfortunately, there are no lines that will stick in your mind like “Are you not entertained?” from the original.  However, time will tell, if someone manages to find a line that will be as iconic as “Are you not entertained?”.

Gladiator II doesn’t exactly live up to its predecessor, but that doesn’t make it a bad film. Instead, the film is extremely good and worth seeing in theaters. Scott has created a pleasurable cinematic experience for all. I highly recommend checking the film out while it is in theaters. But, before you do, make sure to watch Gladiator, or you may be slightly confused at parts.

Grade: A