Gladiator II (2024)

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II roars back into the arena, picking up the story years after the events of its predecessor. We follow Lucius, now a grown man played by Paul Mescal, as he’s thrust into the brutal world of gladiatorial combat. With Rome under the tyrannical rule of Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn), Lucius must fight not just for survival but for the very soul of the empire.

Scott’s return to ancient Rome is a mixed bag of triumphs and missed opportunities. The film’s grand spectacle is undeniable—from the opening battle sequence to the jaw-dropping arena fights, Gladiator II serves up the epic scale we’ve come to expect. The CGI-enhanced Colosseum, complete with aquatic battles and exotic beasts, is a sight to behold. It’s clear no expense was spared in bringing this world to life.

Mescal steps into some mighty big sandals, and he acquits himself well. He’s got the physicality for the role, and there’s a simmering intensity to his performance that keeps you invested. But let’s face it, he’s no Russell Crowe. The ghost of Maximus looms large over this film, and try as he might, Mescal can’t quite escape the comparison.

The supporting cast fares better. Denzel Washington, as a shadowy political player, is magnetic whenever he’s on screen. His scenes crackle with tension, and you can’t help but wish he had more to do. Pedro Pascal brings a welcome complexity to his role as a conflicted general, while Joseph Quinn chews the scenery with gusto as the unhinged Emperor Geta.

Where the film stumbles is in its emotional core. The original Gladiator balanced its spectacle with genuine pathos, but this sequel often feels like it’s going through the motions. The plot hits familiar beats, and while it’s never boring, it lacks the raw emotional punch of its predecessor.

The score, while competent, doesn’t reach the soaring heights of Hans Zimmer’s iconic original. It’s functional but forgettable, which is a shame given how integral music was to the first film’s impact.

Visually, Scott hasn’t lost his touch. The cinematography is stunning, with sweeping vistas and intimate close-ups that pull you into the action. The use of colour is particularly striking, with rich golds and deep crimsons emphasising the decadence and brutality of Rome.

The pacing is relentless, sometimes to a fault. At nearly two and a half hours, the film could have used a bit more breathing room to develop its characters and themes. As it stands, it often feels like we’re racing from one set piece to the next without fully digesting what’s come before.

Dialogue is hit-or-miss. There are some genuinely stirring speeches, but also clunky exposition and on-the-nose references to the original that pull you out of the moment.

Look, Gladiator II isn’t a bad movie by any stretch. It’s a solid, entertaining spectacle that’ll keep you engaged from start to finish. But it’s hard not to feel a twinge of disappointment when you consider what might have been. It’s like watching a skilled gladiator who’s content to play it safe rather than go for glory.

If you’re in the mood for some sword-and-sandal action with top-notch production values, you could do a lot worse. Just don’t expect it to reach the lofty heights of its predecessor. Gladiator II is a decent sequel that’ll scratch that epic itch, but it’s unlikely to leave you shouting, “Are you not entertained?” as you leave the theatre.