Movie Review: ‘Gladiator II’

It has been more than 20 years since the first “Gladiator” was released back in 2000. This begs the question, did we really need a sequel? Or was this just an attempt from director Ridley Scott to remind us that he is still a formidable director?

The original “Gladiator” was known for its heavy plot of revenge and action packed scenes featuring Gerard Butler. So how does this sequel differentiate itself?

In short, it doesn’t. “Gladiator II” is everything that viewers loved about the first film, packaged neatly into a copycat that hits many of the same plot beats. This is not to say that the film is bad by any means. In fact, if you loved the first film, it is highly likely that you will enjoy this film just as much.

“Gladiator II” is not a complete copycat; however; while it does follow the original plot closely, there are several new characters who contribute significantly to the story.

We see several Hollywood heavyweights step into the new roles — including Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.

Paul Mescal plays the leading role in what is arguably his biggest release so far. While Spencer Treat Clark does not reprise his role as Lucius, Mescal more than does the part justice. Aside from a few flashback scenes, the stories and actors merge fairly well.

We also see Connie Nielsen reprise her role as Lucilla — Lucius’ mother. She does as well in the sequel as she did in the original. Derek Jacobi is another actor who reprises a role in this film — his role of Gracchus.

The beginning of “Gladiator II” starts 16 years after the events of the first film, and picks up with the protagonist defending the last free city in Africa from the attacking Roman Empire. Inevitably, the city falls, and our protagonist becomes a gladiator after being sold into slavery. This is where the story of revenge and political rivalries begins, and leads us to the end of a story that we never knew we needed. “Gladiator II” neatly wraps up the loose ends that were left after the first film’s credits rolled, while also providing audiences with intense action.

One of the most important aspects of this film is definitely the action — and more specifically the choreography of the combat and how satisfying that combat is to watch. Each fight that happens on screen feels genuine, and carries some level of weight. This, combined with how well each actor plays their roles, culminates in some truly satisfying action scenes that are sure to leave audiences satiated. This film is deserving of its R-rating, as it features gory deaths and violent combat. Although it is not too over-the-top, it is definitely notable for viewers who may be sensitive to violence and gore.

To accompany all of this action, the film needs to have a good soundtrack. “Gladiator” featured Hans Zimmer as its composer. This provides a very difficult position for the composer of “Gladiator II,” considering that Zimmer is commonly known to be one of the greatest composers of all time. It only makes sense that Scott would go out of his way to find the right person for the job, and the right person just so happened to be Harry Gregson-Williams — Zimmer’s old protege. Gregson-Williams does not disappoint, and manages to capture the perfect feeling for the film through the soundtrack. This is a film that truly deserves to be heard just as much as it deserves to be seen.

The 20-plus years of progression of CGI in films is on full display with “Gladiator II.” It looks better than the first film, and features several battles that allow the Colosseum to be showcased at its greatest and most insane.

As is the complaint with many modern films, there was too much information available before the movie was released because of trailers. So, for those who watched the trailers, the major plot points that are supposed to feel weighty might not hit as hard as they are supposed to.

Overall, “Gladiator II” is a good film and sequel, even for viewers who may not have ever seen the first film. While there are some flaws, if you are just looking to watch some good action accompanied by a stellar soundtrack, this is a good way to pass a couple of hours. The writing was good and allowed for some long-needed closure to the story that was started all the way back in 2000.