Review: Gladiator II
Prepare To Be Entertained.
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Gladiator II. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.
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THE PLOT
Via Letterboxd: Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart, and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
QUICK REVIEW
Let’s get the puns out of the way - Was i entertained? Was I not entertained? Thumbs up? Thumbs down? I said he touched me on the shoulder, not that I knew him - hold up, ignore that last one.
By now, it’s no secret that reviews for Gladiator II have been circulating for two weeks, with buzz building even longer than that. Unfortunately, my local press screening landed late, the same week as its release, and life got in the way of making it. So, I finally caught Ridley Scott’s latest spectacle during Thursday afternoon previews with a general audience.
Let’s just get this out of the way - yes, I was entertained; or as fellow pro-wrestling fans might say, I was “sports entertained.” But my enjoyment felt similar to how I’ve reacted to several legacy sequels and prequels this past year, knowing full well that not everyone will feel the same.
This isn’t Top Gun: Maverick. It’s more akin to Top Gun. A movie that doesn’t quite nail its storytelling or character work but compensates with impressive spectacle and a standout performance.
Scott’s direction is, as expected, solid, the visual effects are good enough, and the ensemble cast delivers performances ranging from decent-to-strong. The film excels most in its gladiator battles, the brutality of the violence shown, and the attempts to weave complexity into the subplots intrigued me. However, it falters with a script that stretches itself thin and loses momentum in what I found to be a rushed third act.
I’ve seen criticism of Paul Mescal’s performance as miscast, and I understand the perspective. He doesn’t bring the same magnetism or commanding presence that Russell Crowe did in the 2000 original. Yet, I found this forgivable. Mescal’s portrayal underscores his character’s flaws and his struggle to grow into the kind of leader Maximus once was, giving the role a unique vulnerability.
Pedro Pascal, despite limited screen time, shines in a role layered with complexity. His character’s internal conflict, being caught between two worlds, resonated with me. Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger’s Twin Emperors are distinct personalities, effectively serving as intriguing, tandem antagonists through most of the film’s 150 minute runnttime.
And then there’s Denzel Washington. He owns every scene he’s in, single-handedly elevating the film. His performance even made the rushed third act more palatable for me. As a scheming, charismatic force, Washington is clearly having the time of his life, and his portrayal might just secure him a Supporting Actor win in my personal year-end awards. The hype surrounding his performance, from the very first trailer, is absolutely justified.
Ultimately, Gladiator II is shaping up to be one of the big (if not the biggest) “Dad movies” of the year. It doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessor, but still delivers an engaging experience, thanks to its spectacle and the layers of Washington’s character arc. Skeptics of the original likely won’t be swayed, but fans will find plenty to enjoy.
I’d give Gladiator II a soft A-. While it’s not one of the best-made films of the year, it’s easily one of the most entertaining and rewatchable. For me, that’s more than enough. As for you reader, you’ll have to track out to the local theatre and make up your own mind on this one.
INITIAL GRADING
