Grade: A … Back in 2000, I somehow missed out on seeing Ridley Scott’s Best Picture winner, “Gladiator” on the big screen. I had to wait for it to be released on DVD to finally experience the epic movie. Needless to say, it was well worth the wait. Fast forward 24 years and Scott gives audiences a sequel to “Gladiator.” This time around, I knew I HAD to see “Gladiator II” on the big screen. I fortunately saw it amongst the fans of the first movie during the “Glicked” weekend where “Wicked” was also premiering on the same day.
Sequels usually have large shoes to fill. Filling in the shoes of a colossal film like “Gladiator” is surely no easy task. While “Gladiator II” does not conquer its predecessor, it still treats audiences to a very bloody and action packed good time.
“Gladiator II” is about a gladiator named Lucius (portrayed by Paul Mescal) and his journey to overthrow a vicious Roman Empire to help return Rome to the people. Lucius is a slave to Macrinus (Denzel Washington) and Lucius needs to literally fight and kill his way to freedom.
Ridley Scott’s dedication to immersing the audience and taking them back to Ancient Rome, pays off in spades. Each gladiator fight was creative and they almost stoked a fear for Lucius’ life even though everyone knows that the star of the movie always survives. The CGI used to recreate the Coliseum was so well done, I forgot it was fake at times. “Gladiator II” naturally brings the gore, but it also balances the gore with palatial abodes and huge sprawling shots of Ancient Rome that are pleasing to the eye. The cinematography is so immersive at times you feel as if you’re in the arena fighting for your life.
Mescal was perfect as Lucius, but Washington’s Macrinus stole the show. Macrinus was a chilling devilish character. Washington has a good shot of adding some hardware to his trophy cabinet when the Oscars roll around.
“Gladiator II” is simply not to be missed if you’re a fan of “Gladiator.” Grab as many of your friends as possible and run to your nearest theater to witness some gladiators fighting for their lives!