“Yes, I was entertained!”
It’s hard to believe it has been nearly a quarter of a century since the Ridley Scott/Russell Crowe cult classic Gladiator first hit cinemas. Now, after decades of anticipation, the sequel has finally arrived.
But was it worth the wait?
This time, the story focuses on Lucius (Paul Mescal), the illegitimate son of Maximus’ beloved Lucilla (Connie Nielsen).
Far from the grandeur of Rome, Lucius has settled into a modest life in the ‘free’ African city of Numidia. But his peace is shattered when Marcus Acacius (Pedro ‘The Mandalorian’ Pascal), a power-hungry Roman general, invades the city. In the chaos, Lucius’ wife, Arishat (Yuval Gonen), is tragically killed, and he is captured and enslaved.
Thrust into the brutal world of the Colosseum, Lucius is mentored by Macrinus (the exceptional Denzel Washington), a former slave with sharp political instincts and a gift for manipulating the Roman elite. The plot weaves Lucius’ personal quest for revenge with the broader tensions in Rome’s crumbling empire.
The Colosseum sequences are unsurprisingly the film’s centrepiece, delivering a mix of awe-inspiring spectacle and over-the-top absurdity. Returning production designer Arthur Max and cinematographer John Mathieson recapture the visual grandeur of the original while pushing it in more flamboyant directions. The action is bigger, bolder, and more unhinged, with one particularly wild sequence featuring a flooded arena teeming with sharks. Yes, sharks. And if that’s not enough, a charging rhinoceros also makes an appearance. It’s ridiculous, but undeniably entertaining.
While Gladiator 2 excels in visuals and action, it lacks the dramatic elements of its predecessor. The original blended thrilling combat with deeper themes of honour, loyalty, and the corrupting nature of power. This sequel leans heavily into campy fun, embracing the excess without striving for the same emotional weight.
Ultimately, Gladiator 2 feels less like a spiritual successor and more like a crowd-pleasing summer blockbuster.
It’s a popcorn movie through and through. If you can leave comparisons to the original behind and embrace the absurdity, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this over-the-top spectacle.
Rating: 3.5/5
Mike Clarke
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Tim McInnerny, Matt Lucas & Derek Jacobi
Running Time: 2 Hrs 28 Mins
Director: Ridley Scott
Go to www.showcasecinemas.co.uk for all the latest film information & showtimes at Peterborough’s Showcase Cinema De Lux
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