Gladiator II Review
Gladiator II steps into the arena with epic battles and bold drama—it's a strong sequel steeped in legacy and vengeance, my full review.
Building on Gladiator's epic battles and emotional depth, Gladiator II returns to the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum, continuing the Roman saga. Director Ridley Scott delivers plenty of high-octane action and drama that fans of the franchise have come to expect.
"Director Ridley Scott delivers plenty of high-octane action and drama that fans of the franchise have come to expect."
The sequel is a fitting tribute, almost to a fault; while attempting to carve its path, it’s also caught in the shadow of the original film. While Gladiator II may not match the timeless impact of the original, it delivers an ambitious and entertaining spectacle. Let’s enter the arena and explore whether this new chapter is a worthy successor or merely a nostalgic echo of its predecessor.
Gladiator II Details
Release date: November 22nd, 2024
Director(s): Ridley Scott
Actor(s): Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Connie Nielsen
Run time: 2 hours 28 minutes
Genre: Action / Drama / Historical
Content Rating: Rated R
The Story: A New Champion Rises
The sequel picks up sixteen years after the events of Gladiator, following Lucius (Paul Mescal), now a young man grappling with his identity and place in a fractured empire. Lucius is captured during a harrowing battle and forced to become a gladiator under the control of Macrinus (Denzel Washington). Lucius' journey mirrors Maximus' arc, a little too closely as it retreads much of the first film's plot. Like Maximus, Lucius fights not only for survival but also for revenge.
"Like Maximus, Lucius fights not only for survival but also for revenge."
In Lucius’ case, he looks to take down the ruthless Roman general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), who destroys his home and the life he once knew. I found the narrative serves as both an homage to the original. While enjoyable, seeing the story move into more unfamiliar and original territory would have been great. Even though the plot may tread all too familiar ground, the execution still makes Gladiator II a thrilling watch.
Strong Performances Help Elevate Gladiator II’s Plot
What truly sets Gladiator II apart from other action films is the dramatic and political undertones matched with strong acting. Amidst the chaos of ancient Rome, there’s a genuine exploration of honour, loyalty, and legacy. None of this gets too serious, and when it treads into melodramatic territory, it's brought back to Earth with some great action or poignantly timed moments. While Paul Mescal delivers a rugged and sincere performance as Lucius, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is the true standout.
"While Paul Mescal delivers a rugged and sincere performance as Lucius, Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is the true standout."
Mescal and Washington bring depth to their characters, showing that even the toughest warriors have vulnerabilities. Washington brings depth and charisma to his role, masterfully navigating the fine line between ally and antagonist. There was the odd line that felt out of place, but overall, the lead characters were very well acted. Washington’s portrayal kept me guessing, as his intentions only become clear in the final act of the film.
Pedro Pascal’s Marcus Acacius adds another layer of complexity, presenting a not-so-not-black and white villain. Unlike the tyrannical Commodus from the original film, Marcus offers a more subdued yet equally captivating presence. I would have liked to see his character fleshed out a little more, as it felt like Pascal’s portrayal needed more screen time for a bigger payoff. He, like a few other characters in the film, felt underutilized.
Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger inject moments of dark humour as the twin emperors Geta and Caracalla rule with an unsettling mix of odd playfulness and cruelty. I really enjoyed Quinn’s performance his first few moments on screen made me “hate” him, setting the tone for the rest of the film. He was a fun “bad guy” to cheer against and Quinn really showed off more of his acting range with his portrayal.
Action and Set Pieces: A Visual Feast
Director Ridley Scott upped the ante with ambitious and meticulously executed set pieces. The action is relentless; even from the film's opening moments, you are treated to a large naval assault on a coastal castle. The stakes have never been higher, with Rome hanging in the balance, and the scale of battles is much larger than the original film. Scott’s talent for epic visuals is on full display in Gladiator II. The battle sequences inside the Colosseum are more elaborate than ever, featuring stunning set pieces like a naval battle staged within the flooded arena.
"The battle sequences inside the Colosseum are more elaborate than ever, featuring stunning set pieces like a naval battle staged within the flooded arena."
Some of the scenes went a little over the top for my taste, they could have done without CG sharks and vicious monkeys. Relying more on real-life combatants, like the first film, could have kept the action a little more grounded. Outside of those complaints, if you are looking for action and big battles, Gladiator has visceral action.
Rushed Final Act
While individual scenes are breathtaking, the narrative sometimes rushes through key moments, leaving less time to connect with the characters. I was shocked by this, considering the film boasts a 148-minute runtime. Even with this length, its pacing feels very hurried in places. Some character arcs and emotional beats—particularly those involving Lucilla and Marcus—don’t receive the attention they deserve. This leaves big dramatic moments at the end of the film feeling a little hollow. There were one too many characters in the movie that had their story threads either left hanging or unceremoniously tied together too fast to wrap up the story.
Final Thoughts on Gladiator II
Gladiator II succeeds as a spectacle, offering a fresh take on familiar themes with stunning visuals and standout performances. While it doesn’t entirely escape the shadow of its predecessor, the film’s ambition and artistry make it a must-see for fans of epic historical dramas. Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is a masterclass in character complexity, and the film’s exploration of power and vengeance ensures it stands as more than just a nostalgia-driven sequel. For those who loved the original Gladiator, this sequel is a thrilling return to ancient Rome, though it may leave you wishing for a bit more originality and emotional resonance.
I highly recommend Gladiator II, it’s a grand and entertaining spectacle that is worth your time.
Special thanks to Paramount Pictures for the advance screening of this film for this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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