DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott
PRODUCERS: Ridley Scott & Michael Pruss & Douglass Wick & Lucy Fisher
& David Frazoni
WRITERS: Peter Craig & Daniel Scarpa
PERFORMERS: Pedro Pascal Paul Mescal Joseph Quinn Fred Hechinger Derek Jacobi
Peter Mensah Lior Raz with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington
"Are you not entertained?!"
These words and this quote have resonated with us over the years, particularly since being spoken by Russell Crowe. We attend movies primarily for entertainment, and Crowe's outstanding performance in the 2000 hit 'Gladiator' certainly fulfilled this purpose, earning the film numerous accolades, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Now, over twenty years later, we encounter a familiar phenomenon in both the film industry and storytelling: a sequel.
Gladiator II continues to explore the history of the Roman Empire and its governance during that era. While Russell Crowe starred in the original, this sequel features Pedro Pascal as the protagonist, who has a specific connection to Crowe's former character. Pascal embarks on a journey reminiscent of Crowe's, yet distinct in its execution. This installment retains the original's formula, presenting it through a fresh perspective. It still encompasses the art of war, themes of uprising, brutal combat, and the motifs of vengeance and retribution.
Mascal, as the lead hero, shines in his own right. While he's not Russell Crowe, he undeniably proves his worth, carving out his own identity. The cast delivers exceptional performances, but the true standout is the seasoned Denzel Washington. Although not the central character, he commands the screen with every appearance. His performance is a masterclass in authenticity. Even at the conclusion, when his character's true nature is unveiled, he delivers a surprise reminiscent of his role in 'Training Day'. Connie Nielsen, returning from the original, has a character arc that makes her a more active participant in this installment. This development reveals her motivations and the significant consequences she faces due to her responsibilities as a mother during those times and the circumstances involved.
The highlight of this piece was definitely the gladiator games—they were absolutely amazing, even if they sometimes went a bit over-the-top in a fun way! Like, the flooded gladiator match with ships and sharks—it’s not something that actually happened, but it’s such a cool Hollywood twist to keep today’s audiences hooked! Even having two rulers added more drama, though they don’t quite match up to Joaquin Phoenix, which says a lot. Despite these creative liberties... everything else, from the action and fight scenes (which were super well-choreographed and really showed off the skills of the stage actors), makes it worth watching. The effects were spot-on and used perfectly, adding to the experience without going overboard.
By the end of the film, Crowe's question from the first movie kept echoing in my mind, leading to an exhilarating result! It's a guilty pleasure, but oh-so-enjoyable for what it is—a pure entertainment delight! Whether it's good or bad is up to the audience to decide. Was it worth making or even worth the wait? In some ways, it was and it wasn't, especially when considering the preservation of the award-winning classic from twenty-four years ago. Following up on something like this is no easy feat. This also questions the necessity of a sequel. Still, I'm absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out. So, to answer Crowe's question—was I entertained? My answer is a resounding yes! Would I recommend it? For those who loved the original and are curious to see how it unfolds, absolutely! If they choose to ignore it and listen to internet trolls telling them to dismiss it, that's their choice. Just brace yourselves for the exhilarating rollercoaster ride that awaits upon viewing!
MY RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Outstanding review of the film, I totally agree with you. I loved the film, Denzel Washington performance was Outstanding.