Gladiator 2 Review

Gladiator 2 Review - Ridley Scott's rehash of his Masterpiece is middling at best

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator (2000) is a cinematic masterpiece that revived the historical epic genre, blending intense action with a powerful tale of vengeance and redemption. The film starring Russell Crowe as Maximus, a betrayed Roman general turned gladiator, swept the Oscars, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.  After 24 years the original director has made the sequel 'Gladiator 2' which has released all over India this weekend.  Let's see if this version matches the masterpiece or not.

Scott introduces Hanna aka Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), who along with his wife prepares to defend his adopted country Numidia from the Roman army led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal).  His wife is killed and Lucius is enslaved by  Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a slave turned gladiator owner who has his eye on the Roman throne.  Rome is ruled by the deranged twin  emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) who delight in watching the slaves brutally killed by giant rhinos, doglike baboons and sharks. Will Lucius who hates Rome at one point discover who he really is and like Maximus in the first part rises as a hero of the people is what the rest of the screenplay deals with. 

Paul Mescal's performance as Lucius Verus is quite adequate as his eyes reflect his brooding heart and physique also suits the role.  But the problem is there will be the inevitable comparisons to Russel Crowe's Oscar winning performance.  Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla the just princess of Rome and there is a twist in her relationship with Maximus that may not go well with loyal fans, Fred Hechinger as Caracalla, and Joseph Quinn as Geta do express their cruel hearts hidden beneath their foolish outer looks.  Pedro Pascal is dignified as the guild-ridden General  and of course there is THE Denzel Washington who enjoys himself playing the evil Macrinius with his eyes always lighting up when there is bloodshed or a heartbreak.   Then there is a strong Indian character Ravi, effectively played by Alexander Karim .

What works best in 'Gladiator 2' is the visual splendour that is on display in the grand sets of the colosseum where most of the action takes place.  For commercial value there are CGI generated baboons, sharks and a giant rhino in place of the sabre tooths that fans are used to.  The writing is good in the sequence where the rebellion is planned that alternates with the protagonist's self discovery and both culminate in the climax.   The nostalgia factor also helps to a large extent in keeping the audience fairly engaged.  The cinematography, action choreography,sound design, art, editing departments and music have helped in making the laggy screenplay watchable . 

On the flip side 'Gladiator 2' gives the feel that the sole purpose that it was made is to cash in on the cult status of the original with nothing new on offer.  There are several logical questions such as how hungry sharks were brought into the arena.   The character arc of the hero does not happen organically like for example his swich of loyalties in the end.  The climax is also underwhelming considering the scale of the story.

Ridley Scott is the master when it comes to bringing historical fantasies on screen and more often than not he balanced the art and commerce.  It is admirable that at 86 he is still going at it planning a third part as well.  However like his previous film 'Napoleon' this too has managed to give only a middling experience at best to even his hardcore fans.

Verdict : Go for it if you are a die hard fan of Ridley Scott and fancy semi historical roman dramas.