A Reel Review: GLADIATOR II

In the year 2000 A.D., famed director Ridley Scott (ALIEN, BLADE RUNNER), delivered one of, if not his greatest film, GLADIATOR; an action-packed, emotional ride of a film that would win Oscars, make a mega-star out of Russell Crowe, and provide some of the most iconic scenes and lines in all of cinema. For the last two decades Scott has been toying with the idea of a sequel, and here in 2024 he finally enters the arena again. 

 

Nearly 20 years after the events of the first film, the corrupt twin Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn), and Caracella (Fred Hechinger), rule Rome and set out to conquest the rest of the world. Battle-weary General Acacius (Pedro Pascal), is sent to invade a country in North Africa, and comes back with Hanno (Paul Mescal), who fell during the defense of his city and lost his wife. Hanno is purchased by Macrinus (Denzel Washington), and sent into the Colosseum to fight in deadly gladiator games. 

 

Directed by Ridley Scott, GLADIATOR II starts with familiar plot beats that nearly replicate the first film. Hanno is out for revenge against Acacius, who also happens to be fed-up with the twin Emperors and is secretly planning a revolt. This moves into the wider picture with Rome in turmoil, and the film eventually gets into many twists and turns that gives GLADIATOR II its own identity. The film becomes a political thriller with plenty of surprises including shifting alliances, betrayal, murder, and royal lineage long kept secret. 

 

When GLADIATOR II isn’t weaving a web of political intrigue, it delivers big-time on the action. With visual effects more accessible now, Scott brings to the screen action sequences that he couldn’t do in 2000. The fighting scenarios in the Colosseum are breathtaking; perfectly staged and acted, and the large battles outside of Rome are a thrill. The scale of the film is impressive, and seeing thousands of extras on horseback is old-school cinematic glory. Even with the spectacle, characters are never lost in it all, and Scott never forgets the intimate moments. 

 

As a legacy sequel, GLADIATOR II has the requirement to remind of us of its roots. The ties to the original film are done well and come in unexpected ways. Some flashbacks from GLADIATOR are neat to see but often feel a step too far. The film has a brisk pace and breezes through its 148 minutes, and it looks gorgeous with some stunning shots. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams is a generic snooze other than the few times the original music is re-used. 

 

Acting is excellent. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal have never been better. Denzel Washington shows more energy and charisma than we’ve seen from him in years and steals the show. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are also scene-stealers. Legacy characters played by Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi are done very well. 

 

The third act of GLADIATOR II throws even more surprises at us, with the real villain of the film revealed late in a whopper of a twist, and by the time the smoke clears after the final battle our minds need a few minutes to catch up. When it’s all over GLADIATOR II doesn’t hit the emotional or iconic moments that its predecessor had, but that’s okay when we are so very entertained. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it