Film Review: ‘Gladiator II’ is a Fun Flick for Adults That Doesn’t Need to Be Anything More Than That

This may surprise some of you, considering how many people adore it, but I’m somewhat agnostic when it comes to Gladiator. I like the film well enough, but it’s a forgettable Best Picture winner to me. I say this to let you know that I approach Gladiator II as a movie purely on its own merits. The sequel of it all is somewhat inconsequential to me, besides a bit of a curiosity. So, when I say that this flick is very fun without really beyond too much beyond that, I’m still complimenting it. I’m simply not shouting from the rooftops like some others.

Gladiator II is no patch on the original, to be sure, but it’s still a good time at the movies. It’s almost camp, which shouldn’t surprise you considering what the filmmaker at the helm has been up to, though it may not be what Gladiator fans are expecting.

Set about twenty years after Gladiator, we’re reintroduced to Lucius (Paul Mescal), the now grown son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Maximus (Russell Crowe). He lives with his wife and child in Numidia as a respected warrior, but a far cry from his birthright. When a battalion of Roman soldiers, led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invade his land, his wife is killed in the battle, resulting in Lucius’ capture and enslavement. Passed along, he ends up in Rome, seen as fodder for the masses, though that clearly won’t be the end of his story.

Obviously inspired by the similar predicament of Maximus, Lucius quietly resolves to fight as a gladiator in the colosseum. His silent reasoning and overwhelming abilities are noteworthy, capturing the attention of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave. Macrinus has designs on the throne of Rome, plotting to overthrow young emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn), taking Lucius under his wing in the process. As all of these people come together and realize Lucius’ connection, blood is spilt, lives are lost, and the future of the empire hangs in the balance.

The cast is led by Paul Mescal, of course, but it’s Denzel Washington who steals the show. At the same time, he’s in a completely different film than everyone else. He’s in a very enjoyable one, but it’s a movie no one else is in. Mescal is good, though a bit reactive and maybe even blander than I expected. I wish Pedro Pascal had a tiny bit more to do, but he does elevate a role I didn’t expect to care much about. Connie Nielsen has a bigger role than expected and does well with it, while the villainous pair of Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn are ridiculous. Supporting players here include Derek Jacobi, Matt Lucas, Peter Mensah, and more.

Director Ridley Scott and writer David Scarpa (who shares a Story By credit with Peter Craig) don’t mess with what works. A lot of this is similar to what the first film did, though there’s enough here to prevent it from ever feeling like a remake. Scott is enjoying being in this world again, so the movie has moments where it even feels silly. In a way, it’s a cousin to his Napoleon. I wish there was a little bit more here to sink your teeth into, admittedly, but the movie is mostly aiming to just entertain, which it certainly does.

Oscar-wise, I’m skeptical about this one. It’s so much of a popcorn sequel, I can’t see Oscar going for it above the line, aside from Denzel Washington in Best Supporting Actor. Below the line, however, the film does have a chance to do very well with the Academy Awards. I’m not sure exactly how well, overall, but I don’t expect it to be shut out. The box office and precursors will certainly have a say here.

Gladiator II is a good time at the multiplex, both for fans of the first one and those who don’t have any extra affection. As a prestige flick? I don’t see it as that. As violent sword and sandal fun for adults? The film more than serves its purpose. An enjoyable picture that’s good but not great is still worth praising, even if I’m not overpraising it like some others seem to be…

SCORE: ★★★