Ridley Scott is probably feeling like a gladiator lately, fending off dangerous movie critics from his high-profile friends.
“Director’s Wretched”house of gucci“The lions ate; gouache “napoleon,” was beheaded. And “final duel“Gallons of blood (and millions of dollars) were spilled.
But he’s finally triumphed with “Gladiator II,” the delightful follow-up to his 2000 Best Picture Oscar winner that hasn’t been so long-awaited as it is suddenly here.
Honestly – who would have ever thought there would be another “Gladiator”?
Is this an inevitable continuation of the story of Russell Crowe’s fallen fighter Maximus? Eh, not really. In an interesting twist, this film isn’t as epic or significant as its acclaimed predecessor.
And the notion of “II” matching its win for the top Oscar in March is as ridiculous as sharks swimming in the Coliseum. (It actually happens.)
However, there’s nothing wrong with a raucous, violent, ancient Roman holiday, especially when it boasts a delicious supporting performance from Denzel Washington as the Machiavellian Macrinus.
Crowe’s sword-wielding successor is Paul Mescal, a sensitive soul hidden inside a gruff shell, who plays the shy Lucius.
He is a soldier in a North African land that has been sacked and conquered by the forces of Roman General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Lucius’s wife is killed, and the widower is captured and sent to the city of Aqueducts.
However, there is something strange about Lucius. He doesn’t look like anyone else in his coastal area – more cabbage than tagine. And he recites poems from memory, a hobby befitting an actor who came to prominence in the literary romantic drama “Normal People.”
As the film progresses, his secret gets revealed. Agatha Christie, however, is not.
Once in the birthplace of Cassio e Pepe, Lucius is sold to Macrinus (Washington), a former slave with Eve Harrington’s suspicions about him. Mac betrays his brother Emperor Getha and Caracalla (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger) and backstabs anyone in a toga in his quest for ultimate power.
Meanwhile, Lucius rapidly transforms into the most feared fighter in all of Rome.
Mescal isn’t the exuberant force that Crowe was, but his often silent character isn’t written that way. He’s reflective and open-hearted as he attempts to escape his murky past – until he cuts off your hand.
Lucilla, Maximus’s girl in the first film and daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, is still around – drinking in the garden and committing high treason.
Connie Nielsen returns to play the lead role in a grand manner, which was in vogue during the emotionally charged events. Now, however, she’s a little out of touch with The Mandalorian and a hard-brow millennial who stars in thoughtful indies.
‘Ila and Acacius plot to oust those emperors in the shadows, who are mad mini Caligulas without the orcs, and restore the Aurelius line. You don’t need to be an oracle to know that Lucius is important to that political effort.
In the 24 years since the first film, a mix of drama and brutality has become common. “Game of Thrones” was eight years old, and with cinematic production values.
Therefore, Scott set aside his sequel to increase the drama. For example, a “sea” battle involves two ships in a floating pool at the Coliseum. There are historical accounts of the Romans presenting such logistically challenging shows.
In another scene, Mescal comes face to face with a killer monkey.
“Gladiator II” doesn’t aspire to be anything more than an entertaining historical action film, but that simplicity is the core of its appeal. Scott’s film is easy to watch, and it’s bolstered by some great performances out of necessity.
Most of all from Washington.
You have to go back a long way to find a “Fences” actor having this much fun in a role. His Macrinus is slutty and seductive, angelic and yet innocent. The actor, clearly loving every second, delivers his lines in a strange sing-song cadence that makes you laugh and draws you in.
Here, Denzel exemplifies “Leave Them Wanting More.”
The title may be “Gladiator II,” but that’s only because audiences haven’t gotten “Macrinus” yet.
