Director Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel to his Oscar-winning blockbuster Gladiator has finally arrived, but it fails to live up to the original’s grandeur and excitement. The film takes place a generation after the events of the first movie, focusing on Lucius, the titular character played by Paul Mescal, as he rises from humble beginnings to become a gladiator in ancient Rome.
Scott, known for his historical epics like Alien and Blade Runner, has opted to set the story in Imperial-era Rome, exploring themes of power and corruption. However, the film’s emphasis on palace intrigue over action makes it feel like a retread of its own plot beats and characters from the first film. The CGI-heavy battle scenes are also less convincing than in the original, making them feel more campy than epic.
The charismatic villainy of Denzel Washington as Macrinus is the only bright spot in the film, bringing his signature wit and charm to the role. Unfortunately, Paul Mescal’s performance as Lucius lacks depth, feeling like a carbon copy of Russell Crowe’s iconic character from 20 years ago. The supporting cast, including Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen, also struggles to elevate their underwritten roles.
Despite its flaws, Gladiator 2 has some memorable moments, courtesy of Scott’s signature humorous excess. However, the film’s overreliance on soft-focus flashbacks and rehashed scenes from the original makes it feel like a lazy cash-grab. Overall, the sequel fails to recapture the magic of its predecessor, leaving audiences feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.
Source: https://slate.com/culture/2024/11/gladiator-2-movie-2024-denzel-washington-review.html