Ridley Scott marks his return to Ancient Rome with Gladiator II – twenty four years after the release of his Oscar-winning Gladiator (2000). With a plot following directly on from the 2000 epic, Scott provides a sequel aiming to captivate a new generation of moviegoers – while hoping to live up to the high standards set by its predecessor.
Having rewatched Gladiator in preparation for this review, I was reminded of just how remarkable that first film was. It’s aged far better than the Roman Empire itself and is deserving of all the accolades it received. Walking into the theatre, I couldn’t help but feel excited to see what Gladiator II would offer, as filmmaking and special effects have changed so much in all that time.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its visceral action scenes. The pace and placement of these scenes sprinkled through the more character-driven parts helps the 148 minute runtime breeze by. Gladiator II could have easily felt sluggish, but Scott keeps the narrative moving quickly from one thrilling set-piece to the next. The Colosseum fight scenes are particularly impressive; more expansive and varied than those in the first film, offering our protagonist, Lucius (Paul Mescal), a fresh series of challenges on his journey towards freedom. Though these battles may not be historically accurate, they are unique. All the action is pulse-pounding, showcasing Scott’s expertise in staging large-scale battle sequences, especially the opening battle which truly set the tone for things to come.
However, while the action is undeniably thrilling, the emotional stakes of Gladiator II don’t quite hit with the same intensity as they did in the original. The first film had a palpable sense of loss, revenge, and honour, driven by Russell Crowe’s iconic performance as Maximus. Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Lucius, while solid, lacks the magnetic presence that Crowe brought to the role, leaving the film feeling a bit less grounded. That said, Mescal still holds his own, and his journey is engaging, even if it doesn’t have the same weight as the original’s tragic arc.
The supporting performances, however, are where the film really shines. Pedro Pascal (Marcus Acacius) and Denzel Washington (Macrinus) deliver the standout performances of the film, each bringing depth and charisma to their roles. Pascal adds a certain gravitas, helping elevate the film, while Washington’s portrayal of the ambitious Macrinus, navigating the complex Roman power structure, felt like it could have been the centrepiece of the film. Washington’s arc, which sees his character rise to power, is fascinating but ultimately underexplored. This leaves Gladiator II feeling somewhat familiar at times, particularly in the early scenes, where it occasionally seems like a retread of the original film rather than a bold continuation of the story.
On the other hand, the twin emperors, Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), while providing some comedic relief, occasionally feel out of place in the film’s otherwise serious tone. Their over-the-top performances, while entertaining, sometimes resemble something more fitting for a parody than an intense historical drama.
The film also struggles with its storytelling structure. While the ambition behind the plot is clear, the sheer number of subplots and characters can make it difficult to keep track of all the relationships and shifting alliances. The story occasionally feels overloaded with information, which can detract from the emotional core of the film. That said, the central narrative of Lucius’ journey remains compelling, and the pacing ensures that it doesn’t lose momentum.
Another area where the film falls short is its soundtrack. Harry Gregson-Williams’ score, while serviceable, doesn’t have the same impact as Hans Zimmer’s iconic music from the original. The lack of a memorable, stirring score slightly weakens the emotional resonance of key moments, which is a missed opportunity, given the scope of the film.
Overall, Gladiator II is a solid historical epic, even if it can’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessor. The action sequences are thrilling, and the performances, particularly from Pascal and Washington, elevate the film. The story may be a bit muddled at times, and the score isn’t as memorable, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. While it’s not quite as legendary as the original, Gladiator II offers an entertaining and visually stunning experience worthy of the big screen.
7/10
