You might not remember but, “Gladiator”, blasted in to theaters during the summer of 2000, and banked over $465 million worldwide. It was the second-highest of the year behind the other money maker, “Mission: Impossible II.” It was clearly a standout film as it earned 12 Oscar nominations, winning 5, which included Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. A sequel was bound to happen to piggyback off the success of the first film, unfortunately it took over 20 years for that reality to come to fruition.
But perhaps, the waiting of over 20 years for the sequel was meant to be because we needed to wait for Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal to grace the big screen in two iconic roles. Both took on their roles with strength and charisma to make them each stand out in their own ways. You’ve got Pedro as the general who wants to make things right and bring Rome to what it’s supposed to be…FREE. Then you have Paul who is the … dare I say handsome sword-wielding poet ends up winning more hearts than intended.
The film is packed with turns and twists while answering our some of our questions 20 years later after the death of MAXIMUS (Russell Crowe). We do have the return of Connie Nielsen, who portrays Lucilla in the first film. Unfortunately for her, the script does fall flat for her and makes her seem not as important as she really is in the film. She does still grace the screen with her passionate character that made her so memorable to us in the first film.
Some of the best scenes in the film are that of the battles. It’s amazing to see the work the were able to do to accomplish them and make them realistic. Even more so because these battles were a part of history. KUDOS for the action and editing.
From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
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