More than 24 years ago, Sir Ridley Scott created a remarkable historical epic with his film, Gladiator. Released in 2000, it became the second highest-grossing movie of that year, earning nearly $500 million worldwide, just behind Mission: Impossible II. The film also garnered five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Some people describe this original picture as a masterpiece.
Discussions about a sequel began as early as 2001. However, by 2006, the production was halted due to multiple factors, including the sale of DreamWorks Pictures to Paramount Pictures and a script rejected several times by consultants, among them Steven Spielberg. It seemed like this follow-up story would never happen.
That was until 2018, when discussions regarding a sequel were reinvigorated. As of 2024, audiences can now view Gladiator II in theaters. It feels like this movie has been nearly 24 years in the making.
Is this the sequel we’ve all been hoping for?
Sixteen years after the first film’s events, the movie follows Hanno (Paul Mescal), a Roman refugee living in Numidia with his wife, Arishat (Yuval Gonen). When Numidia is attacked and conquered by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and his Roman army, his wife is killed, and Hanno is enslaved. The captured people are taken to Rome to be trained as potential gladiators.
During a battle against wild baboons, Hanno impresses the stable master, Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who decides to take him under his wing. In return, Macrinus promises Hanno that one day, he will have the opportunity to kill General Acacius.
Meanwhile, we have a new set of emperors, Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his brother, Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), who organize gladiatorial games in the Colosseum to celebrate the general’s victory. This marks a crucial turning point in the story, setting up the events for the rest of the film.
Sir Ridley Scott is a legendary filmmaker with a vast repertoire of masterful films, including one of my all-time favorite movies, Alien. The ability to transport audiences to a different historical period is truly masterful. The production design in Gladiator II displays a high level of creativity and attention to detail. It’s perfect to watch in IMAX, because the cinematography makes you feel like you’re in Rome.
Some shots make you feel like a part of the battlefield, including one from a rhino’s point of view. Fun fact: Ridley Scott wanted to use rhinos in the original movie, but could not, due to budget constraints.
I enjoyed every battle sequence; the sound design made every punch and sword swing impactful. I found the overall sound design exceptional, particularly during those battle scenes, which are the most critical moments. However, I also appreciate the attention to detail in other scenes, like those featuring the boats on the ocean. The sound of the waves and surf was so realistic that I could almost smell the salt in the air. The sound of the crowd during the gladiator fights was immense and absorbing, making the theater audience feel like we were in the Colosseum.
The CGI baboons felt underwhelming, but that didn’t bother me because the rhino and sharks made up for it. Yes, I said “sharks.” I had heard the mention of sharks in the arena, and it did not disappoint. Some may find this sequence silly, but I am a massive advocate of shark films, so I was delighted.
Whether it is historical or not, it is a memorable scene!
Denzel Washington undoubtedly delivers the best performance in the film. His charisma, which he has showcased in other movies, shines through as he portrays Macrinus. He thoroughly enjoys this role, adding a touch of humor and camp to the overall vibe. Denzel is a master of his craft; every line is delivered with remarkable enthusiasm and energy. His talent nearly overshadows some of the other cast members.
While Denzel stands out as the strongest performer, my favorite is the portrayal of the twin emperors. Quinn and Hechinger bring humor and banter, while their costumes and makeup are eye-catching and mesmerizing. Quinn is the better of the two because his boisterous voice is captivating.
I am now petitioning for more movies with Joseph Quinn in heavy makeup. He pulls it off nicely!
Harry Gregson-Williams delivers a great score, having previously worked as an assistant to the original film’s composer, Hans Zimmer. Although this score may not be as memorable as the original Gladiator score, it still provides an epic feel that conjures excitement to the action.
Speaking of emotional depth, this is where the movie fails. I had no attachment to any character. I did not care for Paul Mescal’s character, Hanno, like Russel Crowe’s Maximus. The original film works so well because of the emotional journey we experience alongside Maximus and his desire for revenge. The impact of Crowe’s performance may be attributed to its magical quality.
I thought Mescal delivered a decent performance as the lead, but it ultimately felt bland. My only wish is that this film had more heart.
The conflict resolution between Hanno and General Acacius is another emotionless plot line. The conclusion of their storyline is anticlimactic and disappointing. It feels like a significant part of the story is abruptly cut off, leaving it feeling muted. This was another missed opportunity that could have been developed much further. With so many years of production, there is no excuse for any aspect of this movie to be dull, and unfortunately, it falls short in some respects.
Finally, I can appreciate callbacks in follow-up films, but the ones in this movie are overly cheesy and made me cringe. Alien: Romulus was filled with callbacks, and I loved them (except for the “Get away from her…” line). The ones in this film felt forced, as if they had been added after the initial concept.
They were included to enhance our feelings for Hanno and his wife, but the cheesiness ruined it for me. I understand how it could work for some people, but it made me want to laugh more than cry. Regarding callbacks, Connie Nielson reprises her role as Lucilla and delivers a solid performance.
She looks stunning for her age.
Ultimately, Gladiator II rehashes elements from the original movie. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. I still enjoyed the spectacle of the lights and sounds while eating a bag of popcorn. Should this film be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars? No. It’s simply a fun experience at the cinema. Dune: Part Two is rumored to be a nominee, and I believe it to be a much better film than this one.
I rate Gladiator II three out of five stars. At 148 minutes, I was fully engaged and did not feel the need to check the time, indicating the film’s ability to captivate its audience. As I said, it offers an enjoyable experience befitting the current season of major film releases.
Embrace the journey with realistic expectations, and you will have a good time.