Gladiator II (2024)

Having recently rewatched 2000's Gladiator I can say that film holds up well and is perhaps misjudged when seen as being a "weaker" Best Picture winner. It has all the goods from an emotionally satisfying story, great performances, and Scott doing some of his best work. Sure it's a crowd pleaser and in all in good ways (aren't you entertained?) while exploring ideas of empire and corruption. Watching it again I felt exhilarated and moved, I adored Scott's visuals and the work of its cast. It really is one of those populist movies that actually earns it. 

Watching the long awaited sequel I had a few different thoughts. I'll get the negative ones out of the way first. I really don't think II is quite a "good" a movie. The first act feels rushed and much of the plot hinges on rather conceded coincidences. It feels somewhat less cohesive than the first and perhaps the stars just don't quite align. However with that out of the way I can talk about why I still really enjoyed it. 

This film may. cement Scott as one of his generation's greatest film makers. Not because this is some triumph for him but it shows that he can and does continue to make great films, films that are exciting and entertain. He has no reason to stop until he wants to. Gladiator II is a beautiful film that is not only a great experience to watch but also gets one thinking about a lot. He gives us something to chew on. Scott has made some of my favourite films of all time, some films I truly loath, and quite a few I could take or leave. But he clearly loves what he does and I'm always here to see what he's got up his sleeve next. 

Scott once again delves into a somewhat fictionalized version of Rome as stand in for our current world order. He is fascinated with empire and the corruption inherent in it, the way power can manipulate the masses and how fragile democracy is, perhaps even how much of an illusion it can be. This film explores a new aspect of that from the previous film. I do not agree with the critiques that this is too much like the first. Here his villain comes from outside power, using the tools of the empire against itself. The palace intrigue may not be quite as delicious as the first and the ending feels a little forced. But the ideas there are fascinating if you want to ruminate on them. Scott gives us much meat to chew on. 

Speaking of meat, the film is gory, more so than the first. While some of the staged "games" may not be overly historically accurate (Scott's Rome is a slightly alternate history anyway) but they are in how bloody disgusting they are. Be prepared to cover your eyes a bit and he pulls no punches. Like in his first film, Scott wants to make us somewhat complicit in the cruelty that is spectacle for the sake of empire. 

And that's what we get; spectacle and much of it. Mescal is a rising star and the camera lingers over his body for the fascination of those who would want it and those who would want to be it. He is also representing who we all want to be. But should we is part of the question II poses. I'm not sure it tackles this question as robustly but it's there. This film's two and a half hours fly by and never drag. Nielsen is as statuesque as ever, Pascal is tragically conflicted, and Washington shows us exactly how strong an actor he is in a powerful role that he keep balanced and nuanced, never giving in to chewing up the scenery.  

So the answer is yes. Gladiator II will entertain and earns that. But the shadow of the first film turns out to be just a little to long for this one to quite escape it. 

Gladiator II

Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Matt Lucas, Peter Mensah, Rory McCann

Director: Ridley Scott

Writers: David Scarpa, Peter Craig