‘Gladiator II’ Review: An Epic But Unnecessary Sequel

Gladiator is Ridley Scott’s magnum opus and one of the best films to come out since 2000. Following the life of Maximus Decimus Meridius, the film tells the story of a Roman general who became a slave and then gladiator who fought his way to revenge. By all accounts, it was a near perfect film. Gladiator II is Scott’s attempt to recapture that same lightning in a bottle of the first. It tells a similar story of power and revenge although it does expand its plot to all of Roman society as well. Like its predecessor, Gladiator II features some of the most epic and action-packed battles of the year. It does struggle, however, when it gets too caught up in trying to connect all the dots with the first film. Even though its an unnecessary sequel, Gladiator II has enough life in it to deliver a rousing performance for fans.

Following the death of Marcus Aurelius, the dream he had of a better Rome remains buried with him as the elites continue to rule the common people with an iron fist. His grandson and heir to the Roman empire Lucius lives in hiding in Numidia when his town is raided by the Roman general Acacius who kills his wife and captures Lucius, making him a slave and potential gladiator. Fueled by revenge, Lucius battles his way towards the top, inspiring those around him to rise up against their captors as well.

Initially Gladiator II is eerily similar to the original, feeling more like a remake rather than direct sequel. Here is a man who loses everything when his family is killed by a Roman general and is then captured and sold as a slave. He trains as a gladiator in order to get his revenge on the one responsible for their murder. Lucius and Maximus are basically interchangeable. And with how excellent Gladiator is, it’s difficult to understand why Scott would want to tell the same story again.

Thankfully that is not all the film is about, and we actually learn how Rome operates. Twin emperors Geta and Caracalla rule the city from up on high and their corruption seeps down through the other elites, including the conniving prefect Macrinus who knows how to play the game well enough to not only survive but thrive. Rome teeters on a sharp precipice and is on the verge of a civil war so even the slightest crack could send the empire into all out chaos. Everyone has their own goals, whether for power, revenge, or love, and will do whatever it takes to achieve them. There are times the film feels more like Game of Thrones with all the chess playing everyone is doing. And honestly, it’s this aspect of the film that is more interesting since we’ve already seen the whole “gladiator rising up against the empire” storyline with the first film.

Gladiator II struggles the most when it’s living in the shadow of its predecessor. It desperately tries to make connections to the original, whether its with characters themselves such as a now grown Lucius or by making connections to Maximus that are flimsy at best. It’s clear that Ridley Scott still has an interesting story to tell. Pedro Pascal’s Acacius is beautifully done and one of the most interesting characters of the franchise as a general who questions his own honor and duty to the empire and the repercussions that come with those choices. Denzel Washington’s Macrinus is equally entertaining as well. He lavishly chews every scene he’s in, bringing an extravagant bravado that stands out among the stoic brawn of everyone else. Paul Mescal is a suitable Russell Crowe clone as Lucius. He is the necessary driver of the film and is able to deliver a rising speech when needed and has the fighting ability to back it up.

The action itself is quite epic as well. The sacking of Numidia, stampeding rhinos, a navel battle in a flooded Colosseum; Gladiator II goes all out and then some for its gladiatorial combat. It’s brutal, bloody, and downright dirty. There are no rules when it comes to the arena. It’s a constant battle of life, death, and glory.

Gladiator needs no sequel. And yet here we are more than 20 years later with Gladiator II. The film had an uphill battle to begin with, and for what it’s worth, Ridley Scott delivers an epic adventure that’s go plenty of action and intrigue despite constantly being in the shadow of the original. It’s when the film steps out from behind that shadow that it starts to shine the brightest. And while it can never fully escape from the darkness, Gladiator II still plenty to be excited about.