Released: 15th November 2024 (UK)
Length: 148 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington
At the turn of the millennium, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator was a smash hit, bringing the historical epic into modern cinema with gusto. Over two decades later a follow-up has emerged, offering a worthwhile continuation.
In 200 AD the Roman Empire is under the rule of the corrupt twin emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn). Their hunger for more territory has spread to the Numidian people with the young Hanno (Paul Mescal) captured in the ensuing invasion. Taken to Rome, his true heritage and purpose are revealed in the Coliseum. Picking up sixteen years after the first film, the sequel does run into trouble at first. Despite Hanno’s place on the opposite side, Gladiator II treads very closely to its predecessor; the protagonist goes on a similar journey of partaking in the opening battle, losing someone close to him, being sold to the arena and fighting his way to the top. As we dive deeper into Rome and the inner schemes, the film successfully branches out and delivers a higher dose of deceit involving General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). The return of Connie Nielsen as Lucilla is the bridge that connects the two films and the combat remains on top form. Gladiator II may not have the same dramatic weight, but the story is entertaining when you get into it. It moves much quicker than it did before, shifting away from the grandiose tone.
Strong performances embedded Gladiator in the hearts of many audiences and the sequel does have a hard time measuring up. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pescal are very serviceable; both represent the core themes of strength and honour with Hanno constantly defying the odds and Marcus acting in the interests of the people rather than his superiors. This does reveal the film’s biggest flaw, a lack of connection between the characters. Last time you really felt the bond Maximus built with his men and others who helped him in his struggle, but in this entry there aren’t enough shared scenes to release the emotional moments. At times Mescal does try a bit too hard to ape Russell Crowe’s performance rather than striking out on his own. Carcalla and Geta also fall flat; both are portrayed as spoiled children, but their presence lacks weight as they are easily influenced by the other characters. It’s Denzel Washington who steals the show as Macrinus, a former slave with his own plans for the empire. Denzel is able to expand his character far more than everyone else, making his performance more interesting.
In 2000, Gladiator wrote the rulebook on delivering grand historical sights and for the most part, II is able to live up to that standard. The heart of the Roman capital looks just as grand and extravagant as it did before with sweeping camerawork and impeccable designs for costumes and sets. Angry citizens clash in the streets and senators bicker in the halls, delivering a great atmosphere throughout. The lighting is superb both in and out of the buildings and Ridley Scott once again shows his prowess for directing large-scale sequences with hundreds of extras on-screen. The arena battles also make an impression with a naval clash and a struggle against the Praetorian Guard. There is one distracting element and that’s the CGI animals; there was no other way to present them and when placed in direct sunlight they stick out in a bad way. This is especially true for a pack of crazed baboons in the first act. When these creations move off-screen, you’re back to looking at another excellent recreation of the Roman Empire. All other elements are top of the class and while the soundtrack from Harry Gregson-Williams feels quite referential, it still complements the action well.
Gladiator II was never going to match the original; the first act feels like a re-tread and the character connections are much weaker, but it still delivers an enjoyable experience. Good performances and another strong portrayal of Ancient Rome save this sequel from mediocrity.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Good)
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