Back in 2000, audiences got swept up in Ridley Scott’s epic historical film Gladiator, cheering for Russell Crowe’s Maximus to defeat the psychotic emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the arena. Now, Scott continues the story in the sequel Gladiator II.
Set 16 years after the original, the sequel follows a grown-up Lucius (Oscar nominee Paul Mescal, Aftersun) living in Numidia, preparing to battle the Romans with his archer wife. Under the command of General Marcus Acacius, played by Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), the Roman navy overwhelms Lucius’ city. Acacius triumphs, seizing the city, killing Lucius’ wife, and taking Lucius captive as a slave.
Once in Rome, Lucius and other slaves are thrown into the arena to fight against deadly giant monkeys. Lucius survives and in doing so, snags the attention of Macrinus (two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington), a “master of gladiators” and weapons dealer who buys him to be his prize champion gladiator. Macrinus sees a rage in Lucius and asks if he can offer someone up to him to satisfy it. Lucius tells his owner he wants the head of General Acacius. Macrinus promises Lucius that Acacius will be his if he wins enough battles in the arena.
After returning victorious to Rome, General Acacius is met with a celebration planned by twin Emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn, A Quiet Place: Day One) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger, Thelma), who intend to honor his triumph with arena games before dispatching him to conquer yet another city for Rome. Once alone with his wife, Lucilla (Gladiator‘s Connie Nielson), Acacius confesses he’s done killing men and losing soldiers in battle. He believes Geta and Caracalla are evil and vile. When his army arrives in a few days, he plans to take Rome by force.
The collision course of Lucius, Acacius, Lucilla, Macrinus, and the two emperors involves a tangled web of intrigue, betrayal, and fate.
Overly dramatic with outdated CGI and unimpressive characters, Gladiator II comes across as a retread of the original film. It’s a lackluster sequel missing the riveting battle and fighting scenes of the first film.
Paul Mescal gives a strong performance as Lucius, Lucilla’s son who, as a young boy, saw Commodus murder Maximus in the arena. Now, he must carry on his father’s legacy and fight not only Acacius but the unfairness of Rome and those who misuse their authority. However, Mescal’s portrayal of Lucius falls short of the bravado and charisma that Russell embodied as Maximus. He’s a second-rate hero, at best.
Denzel Washington gives a larger-than-life performance as Macrinus, the gladiator owner and ex-slave who has plans to seize as much power as he can, no matter what it takes. On the downside, Washington’s performance borders on camp.
The costumes and set design are well done, but, again, nowhere near as impressive as in the original film.
All too familiar and relying heavily on CGI, Gladiator II is an unnecessary sequel missing stirring action and captivating characters. It’s an empty and hollow follow-up to Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning epic.
GRADE C
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Running Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
Studio: Paramount Pictures
