Gladiator II

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) is a cinematic masterpiece. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t need a sequel. The only justification for one is the Roman numeral “II” — and yet, here we are. Since they made it, naturally I'm all in.

The Roman numeral two perfectly describes this film. This is a story of repetition, of twin characters, dual identities, double gladiators and mirrored fates. There's even twice the bloodshed in the Colosseum. 

Scott’s pleasurably immersive epic about ancient Roman fighters will definitely entertain. Especially to those of us always thinking about the Roman empire.

The first Gladiator followed Maximus (Russell Crowe), a Roman general wronged by a usurper, who eventually fights his way to the Colosseum, becoming a crowd favorite. Joaquin Phoenix’s scene-stealing Commodus was one of the film’s most memorable antagonists.

Gladiator II shifts focus to Lucius (Paul Mescal), a humble man from Numidia, Africa, thrust into the heart of Rome by the violent political machinations of General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). From there, he’s thrust into the Colosseum, where his fate, like Maximus’s, is sealed. The sequel doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, with symbolic callbacks — including a shot of hands grasping grain — reinforcing the connection.

Paul Mescal, one of the finest actors there is, is no Russell Crowe, as he struggles to command the gravitas that Crowe brought to Maximus. He even seems uncomfortable at times in his own gladiator gear. Denzel Washington, in the Phoenix role, shines. Connie Nielsen also returns as Lucilla, almost 25 years after her first appearance, and she brings a sense of redemption to her character, adding emotional depth.

Where the original Gladiator was more of a film, Gladiator II is a muscle-bound spectacle designed to pack theaters. I prefer lions and tigers to CGI baboons and sharks as well as and accuracy like uh, "the printing press hasn't been invented yet so put down that newspaper," but the action is relentless, and almost every scene involves a physical or political battle. It's thrilling, and it’s impossible to look away. 

This all lands in a unique moment in modern history, as it is also a film about hope for the people and the promise of a Rome that is not run by dictators. It’s an intriguing reflection of our own political climate.

Gladiator II might have jumped the sharks once or twice, but still the epitome of Roman epics. Ridley Scott is having good fun as did Washington— and so did our packed audience

In a nutshell: Scott’s pleasurably immersive epic about ancient Roman fighters will definitely entertain.

Where to watch it: In theaters now.

Would it be better with Olivia Colman: For sure; but not needed.

Award potential: I expect to see this film nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Washington) and all the technical categories, battling those out with another sequel, Dune 2, as well as Wicked. Mescal has a great shot at Best Actor but may need to campaign in that tough category given his softer take on the gladiator.

The Ten Buck Review: Totally ten buck worthy.