Gladiator 2 Review: Strong Performances And Stunning Visuals Save The Weak Story – News18

Last Updated:November 15, 2024, 07:03 IST

Gladiator 2 Movie Review: While Ridley Scott’s Gladiator won an Oscar for Best Screenplay, the new film feels more like a collection of events hurriedly pieced together.

Gladiator 2 Movie Review: It’s been 24 years since Gladiator first stormed into theatres, with Russell Crowe’s iconic Maximus seizing the Colosseum in an unforgettable showdown. I was young then, but I still remember the packed theatre echoing with gasps and applause, the energy spilling out into conversations well past the credits. Fast forward to today, and Gladiator 2 attempts to recapture that legacy, but can it? Going in, I kept my expectations tempered, knowing how hard it is to recapture lightning in a bottle. But even as a standalone film, Gladiator 2 falls short. While it utilises advanced technology to showcase Rome’s grandeur, Scott appears overwhelmed by the options, resulting in a blend of elements that don’t quite gel together.

Set 15 years after Maximus’s death, Gladiator 2 delves into Rome’s political landscape. We’re introduced to General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), who has been relentlessly conquering neighboring empires to expand Rome’s reach, capturing their soldiers along the way. During one of these invasions, he encounters Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), the former heir to the throne. Lucius was forced into exile after Maximus’s death due to ongoing threats.

As fate (or Scott’s script) would have it, Lucius’ forces are defeated, and he’s brought to Rome as a prisoner of war. Forced to become a gladiator, his primary goal is to seek revenge on Marcus—not only for the deaths of his soldiers but also for his wife’s life, which was lost in battle.

As the film unfolds, we’re introduced to Rome’s rulers, Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), whose governance is marked by youthful impulsivity. Eventually, Lucius finds himself thrust into the Colosseum, mirroring his father’s legendary path, though few know of his royal lineage. His strength, noble heritage, and loyalty as a soldier bring unexpected twists and turns that propel the story forward.

Director Ridley Scott makes effective use of advanced technology to create a visually stunning experience, working with cinematographer John Mathieson to showcase Rome in all its grandeur. From breathtaking set designs to intense battle scenes, the film’s visual scale is elevated. Standout scenes include the opening battle sequence, sweeping shots of Rome, and a dramatic battle involving a Colosseum filling with water—and sharks. A haunting scene early in the film, exploring the concept of the afterlife, is also particularly well-executed.

The cast’s performances are another standout aspect. Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington captivate in every scene, with Mescal delivering a commanding lead performance. Joseph Quinn also shines, particularly in his dynamic exchanges with Fred Hechinger. Meanwhile, subtle nods to the original film add a perfect touch of nostalgia.

The screenplay, however, falls short. While Scott’s Gladiator won an Oscar for Best Screenplay, Gladiator 2’s script feels more like a collection of events hurriedly pieced together. Though there are several high-stake moments, they lack depth and development. The story seems in a rush to move forward rather than allowing viewers to fully engage with key moments. This issue becomes evident when Lucius Verus is reunited with his mother, Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen). The scene lacks the emotional substance needed for both the actors and audience to invest in it.

Pedro Pascal’s character also feels underutilised. The film builds up Lucius’ thirst for vengeance against Marcus, creating an intense expectation for their eventual confrontation. However, when the moment finally arrives, the clash between them feels oddly anticlimactic, lacking the emotional payoff you’d expect. Similarly, the ending feels rushed and abrupt, failing to provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Scott adds several shock-value elements, some of which feel hard to digest and don’t linger in memory for long. Over the years, series like Game of Thrones and Shogun have demonstrated how well epic tales of war and empire can be portrayed, making Gladiator 2’s flaws harder to overlook. Detached from the original film’s legacy, Gladiator 2 is good—even great—as a standalone movie, but it pales in comparison to its predecessor.

Visually, it’s a grand spectacle that deserves to be seen on the big screen, not on a streaming service. Just remember to adjust your expectations when it comes to the story.