24 years after Maximus killed Commodus, Ridley Scott has returned to the arena with Gladiator 2, a bloody, action-packed visual feast. Although it does not hit the same emotional depths as the original and there are no iconic phrases to be heard, it is still a solid, crowd-pleasing spectacle with a talented cast going all in.
Gladiator 2 Review
In 2000, director Ridley Scott wowed us all with a film that became an instant hit. Gladiator earned Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor and (as with anything successful in Hollywood) had people begging for a sequel. There was a hitch in that plan though, Russell Crowe‘s infamous Maximus died at the end of the film after killing the sniveling, malicious Emperor Commodus, an almost equally iconic role for Joaquin Phoenix. The question then became how do you make a follow-up when the fan-favorite characters are all dead? It's something Scott has been working at for decades and he is finally ready to step back into the sand and sun of the Colosseum.
Gladiator II has *almost* everything fans of the original could want– epic, bloody arena battles, incredible visuals, and memorable performances. It also brings more humor to Ancient Rome than previously before, leaning into tongue-in-cheek moments but mostly the laughs come from allowing Denzel Washington to do what he does best: chew the scenery and outshine everyone in it. It does lack the emotional depth of the original. I remember feeling heartbroken for Maxmius as he mourned his family. Then the heartstrings were pulled again as he reunited with them in the afterlife. This time around though nothing moved me like it did before, rather I sat back, watching it all unfold, enjoying it, but never connecting with the material in that way. Still Scott's framework for historical action and intrigue is just as thrilling as it was 24 years ago and in that way Gladiator II delivers a crowd-pleasing, blood-soaked, action-packed visual feast.
Set 16 years after the death of Commodus, Gladiator II follows the same path as its predecessor– a man loses what he loves thanks to Rome, he gets sold into slavery, and becomes a gladiator who gains popularity all while seeking revenge against the powers that be. This time though, it isn't Rome's finest general, but his son (not a spoiler because it's in the marketing material). Lucius (Paul Mescal) has grown up in exile after his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) sent him away to keep him safe following the death of his tyrannical uncle. He is content with his life in Numidia, helping protect the land alongside his wife Arishat (Yuval Gonen). But all that changes when he watches her get killed at the order of Roman General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and is taken prisoner. However, Acacius isn't the villain Lucius thinks him to be. He is tired of the bloodshed and absolutely loathes the twin Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) who are unhinged, driving Rome into the ground. Lucius finds himself bought by the devilishly charming and scheming Macrinus (Washington), who promises Acacius head in exchange for Lucius fighting for him. His rage and motivations change as he faces enemies both in the arena and outside of it.
I'll get to the bloodletting in a minute, because gruesome battles aside, it was the performances that really elevated Gladiator II. Despite no one having a line even remotely close to “what we do in life echoes in eternity” or “are you not entertained?” (Although several of us have used Washington's delivery of the word “politics” since the screening) They certainly put their all into their characters and delivered memorable performances in spite of some of the more cheesy lines. Lucius is both a Maximus stand-in and his own man, representing the younger generation who are fed up with the status quo of the world around them. Living up to Maximus' strength and honor ideals even when they clash with his desire for meaningful change, gives Mescal a nice internal conflict to shoulder. This also allows him to forge a path for Lucius that will distinguish him outside of his father's shadow. Mescal shines, infusing Lucius with subtle charm, strength, and modesty that makes the audience want to cheer for him.
Pascal is given less to do than expected but he still brings his signature ferocity that is drawn out by his desire to protect those precious to him. In a way, his Acacius is also Maximus, fighting for a better Rome and proving not everyone in power is corrupt. Because of this his arc may feel redundant but Pascal knows how to give fans what they want in any performance, big or small. Nielsen's Lucilla is more weary than before, both in mind and body, yet her quiet fury remains. These three give their hearts to their characters even if it's clear that Scott (and the plot) is far more interested in Macrinus and his plans for the deranged co-Emperors.
The spiritual successors to Phoenix’s whiny, power-hungry, evil bratty Commodus are the twins Geta and Caracalla. These two unhinged rulers make Commodus look almost demure. Underneath their garish exteriors and the latter's tantrums, these two radiate danger. They may not reach the gravitas of Phoenix’s villain but you never forget they are not to be taken lightly. Hechinger is the more wild of the two, as he screams for violence and revenge all while a pet monkey in a dress dances on his shoulders. Quinn simmers with malice, making him more foreboding than his louder counterpart. These two clowns, as awful as they are, are just one side of a sh*t coin Lucius must contend with. The other is the electric, scene-stealing Macrinus, who will undoubtedly be added to the list of iconic performances by the inimitable Washington.
At first Macrinus may seem like Gladiator II's Proximo (the late Oliver Reed) but it soon becomes apparent he is no altruistic benefactor nor even a mentor, unless the lesson to be learned is trust no one. Macrinus has his own agenda, one that becomes increasingly clear as the story goes on. He is a former slave, who has risen to have a strong influence over the politics in Rome. He is constantly playing chess with those around him, working to advance his cause whether it be through barely veiled threats or showing off his incredible magnetism. Washington is clearly having fun here, with a sly smirk, a twinkle in his eye, and grand movements befitting a man who has fought to get where he feels he deserves. He is self-assured, cunning, and never shocked by the outcome of his machinations. Washington chews the scenery and every outfit he wears. His scene partners really have to work to keep up with him and despite giving it their best, no one is a match for his sheer force.
Outside of the performances, Scott is in his element, serving up the biggest historical spectacle he could dream up thanks to the advancements of VFX over the last 20 years. Everything plusses the experience of the original, from John Mathieson's cinematography that uses natural light, fire, and shadow (his afterlife is hauntingly beautiful) to Arthur Max's production design. Harry Gregson-Williams' score works better when it plays off of Hans Zimmer's from the first but like the lack of emotional stakes and iconic lines falls short of being memorable. The VFX falters some in the opening naval battle scene and with the apes but nothing that is too distracting (and might not even be as noticeable depending on your seat in the theater). Scott's goal here with the battles is obvious– make them distinct and go as big as possible. He floods the Colosseum (something that did happen once in history) and if fearsome gladiators weren't enough to contend with, Lucius and his men must all be wary of the sharks swimming around them. Then there is the rhino, a deadly animal with an equally deadly rider on his back, trying to mow down the gladiators unfortunate enough to stand in his way. Each game is brutal, bloody, and visceral, something that delighted audiences in 2000 and is sure to get their hearts racing again now.
Verdict
Although it starts out as a restaging of the original, Gladiator II serves up big, brutal spectacles and a scenery-chewing Denzel Washington, for one action-packed, entertaining feast. Scott keeps everything moving along at a quick pace, taking us from one ruthless and exciting moment to the next. Mescal proves he can bear the weight of Crowe's armor while Pascal is reliable as a good man who is forced to do shady things to survive. Quinn and Hechinger are as delightful as they are insane but it is Washington's Macrinus who practically demands that you be entertained. Scott may be getting up there in age, but like the Roman emperors of old he knows what the masses need – a merciful distraction from the horrors of our time.
Gladiator II releases in theaters on November 22. The film is rated R for strong bloody violence with a runtime of 148 minutes.
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