The 2024 film Gladiator II lacks the power of the first film. I came late to this Ridley Scott party, however. Maximus shouts in the original film, “Are you not entertained!” Yes, actually, I am.
the story
Lucius Verus Aurelius enters into the world of Gladiators. He is bought by Macrinus. Lucius’ new owner plans to use his most recent acquisition to overthrow the current rulers of Rome.
Like his father, Lucius becomes the favorite of Rome’s citizens. They call him Hanno and cheer when he wins. He is aware of Macrinus’ machinations and plans his own, to counteract his owner’s devious and callous attempt to overthrow the current rulers.
The main cast
Paul Mescal is Lucius.
Denzel Washington is Macrinus.
Pedro Pascal is General Acacius.
Joseph Quinn is Emperor Geta.
Fred Hechinger is Emperor Caracalla.
Lior Raz is Viggo.
And the Rest
Derek Jacobi is Gracchus.
Peter Mensah is Jugurtha.
Matt Lucas is The Master of Ceremonies.
Tim McInnerny is Senator Thraex.
behind the camera
Ridley Scott directs Gladiator II with his usual flair. Before going any further, however, I must say the film looks glorious. Each frame has its own beauty and the colours practically leap off the screen. Scott’s vision here is one of violent opulence and vivid corruption.
These things alone make this one Oscar worthy.
David Scarpa, along with Peter Craig share writing credits here, with Scarpa claiming sole credit for the screenplay. David Franzoni gets the obligatory “based on characters created by,” credit.
Gladiator II with its convoluted storyline, still manages to entertain. The film’s worst kept secret, that Lucius is the son of Lucilla and Maximus, takes nothing away from the spectacle.
John Mathieson, as cinematographer, makes every scene crack and pop. Watching this sequel to the Russell Crowe original looks almost like old Hollywood classics. Spartacus and Cleopatra spring immediately to mind. Sadly, we have no Richard Burton on hand to crank things up. It also makes one think of the more recent epic Troy.
Cast is Emperor
Everyone here came to Gladiator II with their “A” game. The film really being all about Lucius. We are, however, diverted to General Acacius and Macrinus. Washington and Pascal almost steal the film. Their performances are beyond superb and, sadly for Pascal, Washington nudges ahead in the “magic” department. His gladiator owning anarchist; who wants to rule the new Rome, is captivating.
Quinn and Hechinger are brilliantly unhinged as the mentally unstable twins who rule Rome. Nielsen returns as Lucilla. The role is well crafted and she shines in this revisit to the Roman world of swords and sandals.
Jacobi is practically wasted as Gracchus, who had a bit more to do in Gladiator.
Matt Lucas, a personal favorite since Little Britain, captures the imagination as the Master of Ceremonies. Lucas always delivers. Another favorite, McInnerny manages to make his vacillating sycophantic Senator stand out.
Mescal delivers, but he does have some pretty big sandals to fill here. Of course he manages to make that big speech sound quite good.
The Verdict
Gladiator II is a solid 4 star film. It works well enough and is interesting to watch. It is not in the same league as the first Gladiator though. Regardless it is a good film. I can almost smell Oscars in the wind for this Ridley Scott offering. It is streaming on Paramount + and MGM + at the moment. I may have come late to this party, but I do highly recommend seeing it, if you haven’t already.
the trailer
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