Gladiator 2 (2024)

Director: Ridley Scott

Stars: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington. Pedro Pascal

After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.

No matter what your thoughts are on ‘Gladiator 2’, the fact this action adventure epic was directed by an 86-year old man is an incredible achievement in its own right. How many directors this age are given $200 million to make an action film?? ‘Gladiator 2’ is another addition to Ridley Scott’s impressive repertoire.

General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades the kingdom of Numidia and upon victory, claims it for Rome. The survivors are taken slaves. Among them is Hanno (Paul Mescal), whose wife has been killed in the battle. They are taken to Ostia, where they fight baboons so they can be sold as potential gladiators. Impressed by Hanno’s fighting skills, he is purchased by Macrinus (Denzel Washington) – a powerful man and close friend to twin emperors Geta and Caracalla. Macrinus promises Hanno Acacius’ head if he wins enough gladiator fights.

But as the story develops, we see a very different side of Acacius, who secretly plots to dethrone the corrupts emperors. He is tired of war and wants to prevent the deaths of more young soldiers. He is married to Lucilla, who is revealed to be Hanno’s mother. Hanno is actually Lucius, son of Maximus (from the first ‘Gladiator’). Now, Lucius must fight for freedom, and revenge.

‘Gladiator 2’ might not be as heartfelt as ‘Gladiator’ but it nevertheless still is a spectacle of note, and a worthy sequel. Had it been a standalone film with nothing to compare it to, I’m sure it would have received a lot more positive reviews. As a sequel, though, it is bound to be compared to its predecessor, as we generally do. No, it is not as good, but it still delivers a punch and the visuals are stunning.

The only scene I found laughable, was when the Colosseum was filled with water and sharks!! That’s not even possible, right? I found that scene hilarious…and not in a good way! In a film meant to be realistic, that scene defied all realism. What were they thinking? Well, apart from that, ‘Gladiator 2’ was entertaining.

Paul Mescal makes a credible hero, but Denzel Washington stole the show with is excellent portrayal as Macrinus, a character with ulterior motives. I predict ‘Gladiator 2’ will walk away with Oscar nominations for Best Visuals, Best Costumes, and Best Actor (for Denzel Washington).

‘Gladiator 2’ didn’t do as well at the box office as ‘Gladiator’, but was still a success, earning $435 million on a budget of around $250 million.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.