'Gladiator II' Review: You Will Be Entertained!
Director Ridley SCott boldly heads back to the colosseum for gladiator II, a sequel that fortunately is a highly entertaining and worthy successor to its iconic predecessor starring russell crowe.
Taking place over a decade after the events of the original film, the sequel centers on a man named Lucius (Paul Mescal) who, after his home is brutally conquered by the tyrannical new emperors of Rome, is forced to become a gladiator at the Colosseum and must confide in his past in order to pave a better future for himself and Rome. Joining Mescal in this impressive cast is Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and the returning Connie Nielson.
Daring to make a sequel to one of the most beloved swords and sandals epics ever made is a daunting feat, even for the likes of director Ridley Scott. However, Scott not only manages to acclimate himself in this world yet again with effortless ease, but has managed to make a sequel that is just as epic in visual scope as its predecessor. The production design, costumes, and action set pieces are all superb, fully immersing the audience in this version of Rome yet again, Scott crafting some of his best action sequences put to celluloid in quite some time. The set pieces are visceral, well-staged, and ceaselessly entertaining, coupled with stellar sound design that allows the viewers to feel every punch, slice, arrow and clash of steel.
The performances are also outstanding from this talented cast. Mescal, who has shown impressive versatility over the past several years in projects like All of Us Strangers and Aftersun, was the perfect choice to take the torch from Crowe. He imbues Lucius with a palpable ferocity and animalistic anger that makes his jaunts in the Colosseum magnetic to watch. He also serves as the emotional anchor of the film, making sure to give the character a soul despite all the horrors he’s faced and what he has had to do in order to survive. Simply put, this is a star making performance from Mescal that is sure to bring him a bevy of exciting new projects.
The supporting performances are also very strong here. Washington is inhaling the scenery with devilish delight as Macrinus, a sponsor for gladiators who has a deep yearning for power and influence. Washington is clearly having the time of his life as the charming, but malicious villain, surely cementing himself another Oscar nomination and possible win. Pascal and Quinn are also turning in strong work here as General Acacius and Emperor Geta respectively. Pascal perfectly embodies a man who is worn down and disenchanted by the glory of conquering, sick of the violence and tormented by the lives he leaves decimated in his wake. Quinn gives a needed larger than life performance as one of the new emperors, delivering a calculated and highly unpredictable performance that once again showcases the actor’s considerable range thus far.
While the film is immensely entertaining, it fortunately doesn’t disservice its characters. The film is effectively connected to the original film, not just in having Lucius be the son of Crowe’s Maximus, but showcasing how the legacy his character has lived on after his death. Lucius reuniting with his mother Lucilla, once again played by Nielson, helps carry on this legacy and serves as the emotional core of the film. Their scenes together humanize Lucius and also bring about a compelling relationship that allows him to confront his traumatic past and tap into it in order to carve out a better future and give himself needed strength. Maximus’ presence is felt throughout inside and outside of the Colosseum, Scott thankfully not trying to discard or brush past the impact of the character.
However, the film isn’t without its minor flaws. For one, the first act of the film feels a little repetitive in regards to the original, Lucius’ journey mirroring Maximus’ a little too much. As a result, the first act feels far too much of a retread than was necessary. Also, while the action sequences are quite spectacular, Scott’s scattered use of CGI and visual effects can sometimes be far too distracting, taking away from the gorgeous practical sets and tactile choreography and stunt work. The film is also a smidge too long, clocking in at a whopping two and half hours, its final act feeling overly drawn out and slightly anticlimactic.
What could’ve easily been a empty, hollow cash grab of a sequel is fortunately anything but with Gladiator II. This is a sequel that not only feels like a natural continuation of Scott’s original film, but manages to be nearly just as entertaining and emotionally compelling. Very few directors can make a swords and sandals epic the way Scott can and this follow-up makes a strong case for why he may just be the best to do it full stop.