‘Gladiator 2’ Brings us to Back to the Bloody Roman Colosseum

Gladiator 2

★ ★ ★

It’s been over 24 years since director Ridley Scott took us to the Colosseum in Rome where gladiators engaged in bloody-to-the-death combat to the pleasure of the Roman emperor and the city populus. The original Gladiator is widely regarded as an epic classic, which Scott looks to recapture in the sequel.

Gladiator 2 is far from an epic classic, but it’s still a decent action-adventure film despite its many flaws. The battle sequences are well thought out and we understand the stakes for the characters we are meant to root for. More importantly, we want to see our heroes succeed.

Paul Mescal as Lucius
© 2024 Paramount Pictures

The film opens 16 years after the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius where a man who goes by the name Lucius (Paul Mescal) tends to his crops with his wife Arishat (Yuval Gonen). They live in Numidia, an ancient kingdom in Northwest Africa. Their peaceful life is quickly interrupted by a Roman invasion that ends with Numidia under Roman control. The invasion results in Arishat’s death and Lucius on a slave boat to Antium, a coastal town south of Rome.

Lucius is quickly bought by a stablemaster named Marinus (Denzel Washington) who runs his own gladiator arena. Marinus wants to promote Lucius as a gladiator champion, and they set off to Rome where survival and winning can lead to freedom and riches.

Lucius’ motive is simply to kill General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) who ordered his wife’s death in the Numidia invasion. Marinus has serious political aspirations in Rome. Both Marinus and Lusius’ goals require Lucius to win in the Roman Colosseum.

Lucius and General Acacius battle in the arena
© 2024 Paramount Pictures

Like the first film, we’re treated to several arena battles as complex Roman politics play out in the background.

But this film lacks the heart and emotional bravado of its predecessor. We’re supposed to feel a connection with the characters based on the emotional currency generated by the first film. We rarely get too far beneath the surface and are offered a routine, but still mostly effective, screenplay.

Fans of the first film will find plenty to enjoy, but will likely find themselves underwhelmed as it concludes.

Denzel Washington as Macrinus
© 2024 Paramount Pictures

Washington turns in a devious performance as Marinas, similar to his role as corrupt cop Alonzo in Training Day. He masterfully weaves his way through the role of mentor, schemer and backstabber. Washington makes you hate Marinas, but I love watching him at work. For me, this was the highlight of the film.

Some of that character backgrounds are meant to tie to the first film but make little logical sense. Perhaps this is what ultimately keeps the film from being better. If I highlighted them here, I’d spoil the movie for you. I wouldn’t dare do that.

Gladiator 2 still swings a flashy sword; it’s just a bit more dull than the original. At least, for the most part, we’re still entertained.

History, Drama, Adventure, Action