Review: GLADIATOR II is a Solid Yet Uneven Return To The Colosseum

I went into Gladiator II with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The original Gladiator was such a monumental achievement, a cinematic masterpiece that delivered a gripping story, a powerful lead performance by Russell Crowe, and, of course, some incredible action sequences.

I hoped Ridley Scott's sequel would rise to meet the massive legacy of its predecessor. While it’s a good movie that’s well worth watching on the big screen, it doesn’t quite reach the bar set by the original.

The story is strong for the most part, with enough intrigue and epic scope to keep me invested. The sequel picks up decades after the death of Maximus, centering on Lucius (Paul Mescal), who is now grown and living a peaceful life in Numidia with his wife and child.

That peace is shattered when Roman conquerors led by Pedro Pascal’s Marcus Acacius invade, killing Lucius’ wife, enslaving Lucius, and bringing him to Rome, where he must fight for his life in the Colosseum. He is also filled with rage and looking for revenge.

Along the way, he discovers shocking truths about his family and the brutal political landscape of the Empire. The setup is compelling, and the film does a good job of tying Lucius’ journey to the legacy of Maximus.

However, my biggest issue with the film is with Mescal’s portrayal of Lucius. He simply doesn’t have the commanding presence or emotional depth needed to carry the film.

Russell Crowe’s Maximus was a serious force of nature, a character who inspired with every word and action. Mescal’s Lucius, by contrast, feels underwhelming. He’s meant to be a leader, a figure of strength and determination, but I never felt that from him. So, his performance left me disconnected from the character’s journey.

Adding to the problem is how the character’s development is handled. The first part of Lucius’s journey see him as an angry, bitter man, consumed by rage. Then, in what feels like the blink of an eye, he transforms into a figure ready to embrace his destiny. This abrupt change lacks the nuance and gradual progression needed to make it believable or emotionally resonant.

Fortunately, the supporting cast picks up some of the slack. Denzel Washington is phenomenal as Macrinus, a Roman political figure who is navigating the dangerous waters of power and ambition.

His storyline is the most compelling part of the film, as he schemes and maneuvers his way through the treacherous politics of the Empire. Washington’s performance is electric, bringing gravitas and complexity to the role.

Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn are equally captivating as the ruthless Emperor Caracalla and his brother Emperor Geta. These characters are utterly ruthless, and their bloodthirsty quest for dominance over Rome adds heavy tension and unpredictability to the story. I would’ve liked to see the film spend more time exploring their twisted dynamic.

Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen also deliver strong performances. Pascal’s Marcus Acacius is a complex character who has grown tired of the Emperors, and Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla with the same dignity and strength she brought to the original film.

And then there are the battle sequence. Scott once again proves he’s a master of epic action. The gladiatorial combat in the Colosseum is breathtaking, visceral, grand, and brutally intense.

These scenes are worth the price of admission alone. Scott captures the scale and chaos of ancient Rome’s bloodsport with stunning visuals and edge-of-your-seat intensity.

The film is grand and immersive, with Scott’s signature style evident in every frame. From the sun-drenched landscapes and the sprawling spectacle of the Colosseum, the production design is magnificent. Again, the film demands to be experienced on the big screen.

Ultimately, Gladiator II is a good movie, but it falls short of greatness. It’s a visually stunning, action-packed epic with standout performances from its supporting cast, but Paul Mescal’s Lucius and his underdeveloped character arc hold it back from reaching the emotional heights of the original.

While it doesn’t match the greatness of its predecessor, it’s still an entertaining and worthwhile journey into the world of ancient Rome.