GLADIATOR II -- A Mixed Return to the Arena, But Denzel Steals the Show

review by Jonathan Berk

It’s been 24 years since Ridley Scott brought the world Gladiator, a film that would go on to win Best Picture and earn Russell Crowe the Oscar for Best Actor along with several other nominations. Now, Gladiator II, the long-awaited sequel from the storied director, has finally hit the screen — but despite its star power, it doesn’t quite live up to its predecessor. The performances, while strong, aren’t enough to match the impact of the original, and some of Scott's creative choices seem puzzling.

Years after the death of Maximus, Rome is now under the rule of tyrannical twin emperors. While many traditions have changed, the bloody spectacle of the arena endures as a primary source of entertainment. Lucius (Paul Mescal), who finds himself alive but filled with rage after a violent encounter with Roman soldiers led by General Acaius (Pedro Pascal), is given a chance to fight for Macrinus (Denzel Washington). Through this opportunity, Lucius could potentially earn his freedom as a Gladiator.

The true reason to see this film lies in the performance Denzel Washington delivers. It's no secret that Washington is an incredibly talented actor, but he is doing something that feels very distinct in this role compared to his previous work. He is clearly enjoying himself, fully immersing in his character, while also bringing tremendous depth to the story. Often, actors are referred to as scene stealers…but in Gladiator II, Washington steals the entire film. He owns every moment he is on screen, and it's impossible not to be captivated.

That’s not to say Mescal, Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger don’t deliver on their parts. Each of them turns in a solid performance, but none manage to pop the way Washington does. It’s not a matter of being overshadowed or diminished, but rather that they seem to struggle to connect with the material as effectively as Washington does. Many of their characters are burdened by trauma or tragedy, which forces them to play their roles in a restrained way —and the result isn’t quite as engaging as it could have been.

One notable difference from the original is the film's depiction of its action sequences. Gladiator felt more grounded in its battles, while this film includes moments that lean toward the fantastical. There is one particular scene in the arena that feels almost magical, with a battle that borders on the improbable. It's not a poorly executed sequence, but it feels somewhat out of place, given the gritty tone of the two films.

The narrative also suffers from pacing and development issues. Despite the film running over two hours, some plot threads seem to materialize out of nowhere, without buildup. The third act, in particular, gets wild, introducing events and twists that feel unearned and disconnected from the careful build of the earlier scenes.

Gladiator II ultimately feels like the mid-card fight that Roman citizens might have watched indifferently while waiting for the main event. Some moments, especially those featuring Washington weaving his plans and integrating himself into the other characters' lives, are truly worth cheering for. However, there are plenty of other scenes that will leave you glancing at your sundial, wondering how much longer this spectacle will go on.

Gladiator II is in theaters everywhere on November 22.

Rating: 3/5