Gladiator II Review: A Flawed Yet Ambitious Sequel

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

Gladiator II boldly steps into the immense shadow left by Ridley Scott’s 2000 masterpiece Gladiator. While the original remains a touchstone for epic storytelling, this sequel, also directed by Ridley Scott, tries to carve out its own identity, blending striking visuals, solid performances, and a plot that, while ambitious, doesn’t always resonate with the same power.

Set years after the events of the first film, Gladiator II introduces a new protagonist, Lucius, now an adult, who grapples with the legacies of his family’s past. The story explores themes of power, revenge, and the brutal realities of the arena, much like its predecessor. Yet, the plot often struggles to match the emotional depth and pacing that made the original so memorable. It delves into political intrigue, familial conflicts, and moral dilemmas, but at times it feels like it’s trying to capture the gravitas of the first film without fully developing its own narrative.

While the themes are rich and the stakes are high, there are moments when the story feels fragmented, especially when transitioning between key plot points. The central character arc, which follows Lucius’ journey from innocence to hardened leader, is engaging, but it’s not as fully fleshed out as one might expect. There’s also a reliance on familiar tropes that make the narrative feel somewhat predictable. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it becomes obvious, particularly in the famous two-handed sword decapitation scene from the trailer. Déjà vu, indeed.

The performances in Gladiator II are generally strong, with the cast delivering their roles with conviction. Paul Mescal as Lucius stands out, capturing both the vulnerability and growing strength of a young man thrust into a world of violence and political manipulation. Still, the film struggles to recapture the magnetic chemistry between Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix that gave the original film its emotional weight.

Supporting roles from Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington are solid but don’t leave as strong an impact as one might hope. The film doesn’t fully tap into the potential for more nuanced relationships between the characters, which is a missed opportunity, especially with the story’s focus on family and betrayal.

Visually, Gladiator II delivers the epic scale fans of the original film expect. The battle sequences are grand, the production design is lavish, and the cinematography is sweeping. The film does a great job of creating an immersive world that feels both ancient and lived-in, with detailed costumes, expansive landscapes, and a return to the gritty, textured look that made the first film so iconic. Pedro Pascal’s breastplate armor, featuring a raised, textured design of a woman with flowing hair, is awesome.

There are some minor issues, particularly with a few action scenes that feel choppy, almost as if they were edited in a rush. This takes away from the impact of certain key moments. It feels as though the film is trying to maintain a fast pace, but in doing so, sacrifices the fluidity and intensity that made the original film’s battles so gripping. These moments stand out in an otherwise visually cohesive film. It’s hardly a deal breaker, but it’s something that’s noticeable. As I understand it, this is Ridley Scott’s final cut, so folks should not expect a director’s or extended cut.

Gladiator II is undeniably ambitious, with sweeping visuals and a strong, though occasionally uneven, plot. The film doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessor (few sequels do), but it still provides an engaging, if flawed, continuation of the saga. While the choppy editing in some action sequences may frustrate fans of the original’s seamless battles, the performances and visual grandeur more than make up for the occasional stumble. Recommended.

Gladiator II opened in theaters in the United States November 22, 2024

• Rating Certificate: R (for strong bloody violence.)
• Studios & Distributors: Paramount Pictures | Scott Free Productions | Red Wagon Films | Morocco Film Production | Quebec Production Services Tax Credit
• Director: Ridley Scott
• Written By: Peter Craig (story/screenplay)| David Scarpia (story/screenplay) | David Frazoni (based on characters created by)
• Country: USA | United Kingdom | Morocco | Canada
• Language: English
• Run Time: 148 Mins.
• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
• Release Date: 22 November 2024 (USA)