If you were to ask me “Are you not entertained?” during my time with Gladiator II, I would answer “I am, but only mildly”. Ridley Scott’s legacy sequel provides solid popcorn entertainment, but fails to fill the giant sandals of his best picture winning epic.
Let’s be clear: Gladiator II isn’t a bad movie. The action is satisfying, the set-pieces are grand, and the performances are quite strong. However, it’s hard to escape the shadow of its predecessor, which is widely regarded by many as one of the greatest films of the 2000s. As an extension of the story and ideas the first film established, it works, but it lacks the emotional depth and thrill needed to get audiences invested in this new chapter. I wouldn’t go as far as calling it soulless, but it doesn’t strike me as being very inspired. The final act, while still entertaining, is also a lot sloppier than everything leading up to it.
Ridley Scott is no stranger to crafting big, historical epics, and his experience shines through in the stunning production design here. The sets look incredible, the costumes remarkably detailed and the scale of every location feels so grand. It’s a far cry from historical accuracy, but in terms of pure spectacle, it delivers. The visual effects are mostly impressive, but lacklustre CGI took me right out of the immersion at times. This film has some of the best CGI animals I’ve ever seen (the rhino) and some of the worst (the sharks).
The film’s protagonist, played by Paul Mescal, lacks the gravitas that Crowe brought to Maximus. While Mescal’s performance is expectedly sturdy, the script doesn’t give him the same kind of layered character arc that Crowe’s Maximus had. The characters surrounding him are far more enjoyable, brought to life by a mighty impressive cast. Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn steal every scene they’re in, with Pedro Pascal also offering a dependably strong turn. I honestly wish we got a little more from these supporting players, because their arcs were much more engaging than Mescal’s.
Just as Aurelius had a dream of Rome, I had a dream of a better sequel. Gladiator II doesn’t deliver the kind of lasting impact or timeless legacy that made the first an all-time classic. If you’re here for spectacle and action, you’ll leave satisfied, but otherwise this follow up can’t escape the shadow Ridley Scott cast 24 years ago.
3/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett