‘Gladiator II’ is Fine
Paul Mescal in Gladiator II | Credit: Paramount Pictures
After his home is conquered, Hanno (Paul Mescal) is brought to Rome and forced to fight in the Coliseum. But it turns out that there’s more to this fighter than meets the eye.
This is one of those movies that I don’t think needed to be made. But, because of a mix of capitalism and nostalgia, it has come into being. Because the first film is so beloved, we get to see another version of what essentially amounts to the same story, with some new characters.
One of the problems with Gladiator II is that there’s no real soul to this film. We’re rooting for Hanno because we’re supposed to. He is our hero, so we’re conditioned to be rooting for him. But the film doesn’t do a lot to show what is driving him or any sort of emotional growth or change in this film. And his feelings do change throughout the film, but we don’t get to witness that. Instead, we just hear about it after the fact.
I found Hanno to be so bland and far less interesting than Maximus (Russell Crowe) from the first film. While I didn’t particularly enjoy Gladiator, there was more to Maximus as a character to sink your teeth into. Gladiator II tries to recreate the magic of Maximus through Hanno but fails to do so.
For me, the most electric performance was by the great Denzel Washington as Macrinus. I’m not going to lie; I was not excited about this film until I learned that Denzel Washington had been cast in it. He was my main motivator for seeing this film, and he absolutely delivered.
There are certain moments when he is in the background of the shot, but his presence is still felt. Macrinus is always watching and always paying attention. He is incredibly savvy and is intentional to use every situation to his advantage. And I loved watching every moment of his scheming.
Pedro Pascal in Gladiator II | Credit: Paramount Pictures
The most interesting part of Gladiator II is an element that I don’t think it was ever going to focus on. I’m fascinated by the fact that Maximus and others tried to make Rome better; they even gave their lives to make Rome into a place where citizens could truly be free. But it didn’t work. Their efforts, as noble or honorable as they were, failed.
This is fascinating! Instead of grappling with that element and the danger of belief, Gladiator II just hops into going through the same motions as the first film.
I wish there had been more about how Maximus’ sacrifice had essentially been in vain. Evil had won in the end. And with the balances stacked in wickedness’ favor, why would you even try again? But the film isn’t interested in exploring those types of topics.
If Gladiator II had focused some on that sense of hopelessness, then I think the similarities to the first film might have felt more purposeful. It could be a reminder that there’s nothing new under the sun. And in the face of evil, which sometimes triumphs over good, we can choose to keep going. We still keep fighting for the rights and freedom of all in the face of doubt and adversity.
That’s just one way to infuse some meaning into this film that felt devoid of any larger themes or message. I just wanted this film to mean something or have something to say. But, for me, it didn’t feel like it did. While I get that not every film is going to be an incredibly deep film, there’s so much potential here to use this type of story to say something. Instead, Gladiator II just felt like a very expensive cash grab.
Denzel Washington in Gladiator II | Credit: Paramount Pictures
Gladiator II is a fine enough time in the theater, but it isn’t one that I think is going to make a lasting impact. It’s retelling a tale that we’ve already seen before with some new faces and foes. There are moments of exciting action and brutal betrayals, but it’s missing that emotional center or soul that Gladiator had.
It’s a real shame that no one had the strength and honor to do something daring with this film.