The Mosley Review: Gladiator II
I believe the greatest burden of any sequel to an already successful original film, is the task of trying to make a successor worthy of the name that can surpass the original and meet all expectations. The all too easy trap of relying heavily on the nostalgia bait of reminding you that the sequel is connected while running through all the greatest moments and repeating their beats is prevalent in most. We all know that original Gladiator was a perfect film that is still used as a verb to gauge the quality of spectacle and storytelling and rightfully so. Like you, I asked the most important question once this film was announced: Why? Why make a sequel to a film that did not need one? Yes, there are more stories about the gladiatorial games and the many times Roman has fallen, rebuilt itself and fallen again, but is it necessary to frame this story in the confines of an already untainted legacy? Well I'm here to tell you that not only does this film fall into the trap formally mentioned, but it does show the fragility of the political landscape of Rome at the time. I just wish this film followed another path or different set of characters not related to the first film. It does deliver on what I've sorely missed in cinema and that is the epic feel of large scaled sword and shield battles that are dirty and blood soaked fun.
Paul Mescal stoically leads the familiar story branch of this multi-layered plot as Hanno. I liked his tenacity and raw intensity within the confines of the many fight sequences he expertly handles. He was a driven man and I loved his attitude and unwavering conviction. Paul brings the right amount of strength and compassion as the film progresses. Pedro Pascal delivers a great and more reserved performance in many ways as General Acacius. I loved that he was a reluctant combatant and leader in the Roman campaign to conquer all. There is a weariness in his eyes that was expertly explored many times and I loved that he got a moment of repentance with Hanno. Connie Nielsen continues to exude her regal and elegant nature from the first film, but now as a more seasoned and plotting Lucilla. She repeats the same plot again in this film, but there is a caveat this time around that has been seen many times in other stories. There is an emotional reunion in the film that I liked and Connie delivers a stellar performance in it. Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger were fantastic as the twin Roman Emperors Geta and Caracalla. Geta was the more unchecked ambitious one while Caracalla was more debaucherous brother that wasn't all there mentally. Their dynamic kept the tension of the political game alive and showed why they were never really fit for their roles as Emperors. Denzel Washington delivers his most slippery and slimy performance as Macrinus. It has been a long time since I have seen Denzel dive deep back into the villainous role and he was ever so riveting and playful. He was the pure definition of "taking advantage of a fragile situation and navigating how to come out on top". He was quick, efficient and devilish in his smile.
The score by composer and long time collaborator, Harry Gregson-Williams, was fantastic and as epic as it should be. It comes to life in the action sequences and especially in the more emotional moments. The gladiatorial fights are a highlight in the film as they provide story and spectacle, but also you see the many references to the original film. As I said before, I love the sword and shield genre of film and very few can handle it with grace like this director can. Where the film falters for me is the constant reminders of a better film that I just rebought on 4K Bluray Disc. The reunion story was a weaker part for me as I was more interested in how the politics of Rome were being executed. There are multiple vengeance plots happening and it all kind of felt clumsy in toward the end as we rush to the finish line. In the end, I was entertained by it, but not floored by it at all. Director Ridley Scott is a master at creating epics, but this is one film in his filmography that I wish he never touched. Let me know what thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
