Directed By Ridley Scott; Screenplay By David Scarpa; Story By Peter Craig & David Scarpa; Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
Gladiator II follows Lucius Verus Aurelius (Paul Mescal), son of Maximus Decimus Meridius. 16 years after the death of Commodus, Lucius’ home is invaded by the Roman army led by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). He seeks revenge against Acacius and fights as a gladiator for Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who plans to overthrow the emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger).
I’ve only seen Ridley Scott’s 2000 Academy Award-winning epic twice. I never had a personal attachment to it, but I have enjoyed it for what it was. A sequel has actually been in development for years. Talks began as early as June 2001 with David Franzoni and John Logan set to return as screenwriters. Yet development halted in 2006 when DreamWorks sold the rights to the property to Paramount Pictures. Gladiator II was finally announced in 2018, and here we are.
At first, this movie got off to a great start. I immediately became invested in the story and the characters. Several moments came off as emotionally effective. Archival footage from the first Gladiator was not only used as flashbacks at a few points, but also used well. There’s several incredible action sequences, especially in the coliseum. Although the pacing does drag quite a bit in the second half. Luckily, it didn't completely derail how I felt by the end.
Under Ridley Scott’s direction, everything is so magnificently mounted. Amazing how in his late 80s, he can still deliver such stunning images. Most of his creative team from the first film returned for this and it shows. Ancient Rome has been brought to life once again thanks to Arthur Max’s production design as well as Janty Yates and David Crossman’s costumes. John Mathieson’s cinematography also doesn’t miss a beat at all. Not to mention that Harry Gregson-Williams’ musical score is beyond epic.
Taking over as lead of this saga from Russell Crowe, who won an Oscar for his work in the predecessor, sounds like no easy task. Yet Paul Mescal is more than up to it, resulting in such a heroic performance as Lucius. Pedro Pascal is solid as General Acacius. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are both a lot of fun as the emperors. Connie Nielsen, reprising her role from the first movie, is heartfelt as Lucius’ mother, Lucilla. Yet Denzel Washington has the most complex character in the whole film as Macrinus, and he really pulls it off.
As Maximus would ask, “Are you not entertained?!” To answer that question, I was indeed entertained. You know how when it comes to historical epics, many feel they don’t make them like they used to? Looking at the scale of this thing, it’s definitely an exception to the rule. How does it compare to the original film? I don’t know, I might need to rewatch it. Nonetheless, Gladiator II is still a really good time at the movies. It may be long, but there’s enough quality aspects that make the viewing experience worth it.
Rating: 3.5/5
Gladiator II follows Lucius Verus Aurelius (Paul Mescal), son of Maximus Decimus Meridius. 16 years after the death of Commodus, Lucius’ home is invaded by the Roman army led by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). He seeks revenge against Acacius and fights as a gladiator for Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave who plans to overthrow the emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger).
I’ve only seen Ridley Scott’s 2000 Academy Award-winning epic twice. I never had a personal attachment to it, but I have enjoyed it for what it was. A sequel has actually been in development for years. Talks began as early as June 2001 with David Franzoni and John Logan set to return as screenwriters. Yet development halted in 2006 when DreamWorks sold the rights to the property to Paramount Pictures. Gladiator II was finally announced in 2018, and here we are.
At first, this movie got off to a great start. I immediately became invested in the story and the characters. Several moments came off as emotionally effective. Archival footage from the first Gladiator was not only used as flashbacks at a few points, but also used well. There’s several incredible action sequences, especially in the coliseum. Although the pacing does drag quite a bit in the second half. Luckily, it didn't completely derail how I felt by the end.
Under Ridley Scott’s direction, everything is so magnificently mounted. Amazing how in his late 80s, he can still deliver such stunning images. Most of his creative team from the first film returned for this and it shows. Ancient Rome has been brought to life once again thanks to Arthur Max’s production design as well as Janty Yates and David Crossman’s costumes. John Mathieson’s cinematography also doesn’t miss a beat at all. Not to mention that Harry Gregson-Williams’ musical score is beyond epic.
Taking over as lead of this saga from Russell Crowe, who won an Oscar for his work in the predecessor, sounds like no easy task. Yet Paul Mescal is more than up to it, resulting in such a heroic performance as Lucius. Pedro Pascal is solid as General Acacius. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are both a lot of fun as the emperors. Connie Nielsen, reprising her role from the first movie, is heartfelt as Lucius’ mother, Lucilla. Yet Denzel Washington has the most complex character in the whole film as Macrinus, and he really pulls it off.
As Maximus would ask, “Are you not entertained?!” To answer that question, I was indeed entertained. You know how when it comes to historical epics, many feel they don’t make them like they used to? Looking at the scale of this thing, it’s definitely an exception to the rule. How does it compare to the original film? I don’t know, I might need to rewatch it. Nonetheless, Gladiator II is still a really good time at the movies. It may be long, but there’s enough quality aspects that make the viewing experience worth it.
Rating: 3.5/5