“Gladiator II” (2024)
My Roman Empire must include Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington.
I loved their performances, but some weakness in the story, distractingly bloody gore (more than the original) and other silly performances diminish the quality of “Gladiator II.”
Taking place 16 years after the events of “Gladiator,” this sequel centers on Lucius (Mescal), who was sent to another empire right after the first film to protect him in the face of others clamoring for power. His adopted home territory is invaded by Rome under the leadership of General Marcus Acacius (Pascal), who, unbeknownst to him, has become his stepfather.
Lucius and some of his surviving countrymen are escorted to Rome, where they become gladiators, and one of the leading organizers, Macrinus (Washington), quickly recognizes Lucius’ talent.
Meanwhile, Lucius’ mother, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), quickly puts two and two together and figures out who he is as she watches him as a gladiator for the first time.
“Gladiator II” showcases various power grabs and plots throughout the film, and it can be a bit dizzying at time to figure out who each character is aligned with.
In their supporting roles as the twin Roman Emperors Caracalla and Geta, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger come off as rather cartoonish, and that is as much on their performances as it is on the script and direction. The cartoonish aspects are only magnified and feel more out of place when put alongside the strong performances of Mescal, Pascal and Washington.
As much as this is meant to be Mescal’s show — and he does a fine job — Washington steals the show in every scene he is in, giving his signature “King Kong ain’t got sh*t on me” energy.
Come for your favorite rising stars and stay to see one of our finest veteran actors do his thing with aplomb.
Nielsen is also fantastic in her returning role as she navigates what to do with her own plans for Rome and the unexpected return of Lucius. Pascal is absolutely perfect as the man by her side who has grown weary of war and losses on the battlefield.
Ultimately, “Gladiator II” is a solid sequel that fans of the original are sure to enjoy, even if it doesn’t quite live up to the first film’s legacy.