The highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning film 'Gladiator' hits theaters, promising more epic battles, captivating emperors, and a scene-stealing performance by Denzel Washington. This historical epic follows Lucius, an enslaved man who becomes a gladiator, and his clash with Macrinus, a former slave turned arms dealer.
If you’re a fan of bloody battles, vapid emperors and films that feature Denzel Washington as a scene-stealing villain, then you better make sure your butt is in a plush chair for “Gladiator II,” which premieres in theaters nationwide Friday.. But we were pleasantly surprised by how much we were entertained by director Ridley Scott’s follow-up to the Oscar-winning 2000 film “Gladiator.”The historical epic follows Lucius, who is enslaved by the Roman army and becomes a gladiator.
The supporting performances are all really thrilling to watch. Those include Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn as a pair of tyrannical twin emperors that are both imbeciles in very different ways. You can totally believe that they’d, of course, be the most powerful. The complete cast makes up a rich tapestry of deception, honor, power and redemption.
I thought Paul Mescal served well as the lead, and I agree, Erin, I didn’t feel the need to compare his performance to Russell Crowe because they’re two very different antiheroes. Also, like you two, I was shocked by how big of a part Washington’s Macrinus played in all the action, especially at the end! I had hoped we’d see him put on that dress, gold rings and go crazy like he teased on the film’s press run, and he certainly delivered.
If I were to think of one thing that stuck out to me in an odd way is the pivot in Lucius’ relationship with his mom and her husband . I don’t want to spoil it, but that just didn’t seem totally honest to me … or maybe it happened too fast? “Gladiator II” is coming out at a time when many are more critical of alpha male heroes , so I wonder if that factored into what happens here.And I do think my friend’s question about racial authenticity is a valid one.
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