Gladiator II is not a masterpiece like the original, but it is a fantastic sequel. 

Gladiator II is a fantastic sequel that does not disappoint. When hearing that they were going to make a second Gladiator movie, I was slightly worried. It is a known fact that many sequels to popular movies are done very poorly. However, Gladiator II was great and upheld the tone and quality that the first movie had.

One thing that I can say that I really loved about this movie was the story. Lucius (Paul Mescal) is the son of the legendary Maximus (Russell Crowe) who was the protagonist of the first movie. He was sent off so that he could stay away from the tyranny of Rome. He created a new life, and the Roman army attacked which ended up killing his wife. Acacius (Pedro Pascal), was the general of the Roman army and is the reason why Lucius’ wife was killed. Lucius was taken as prisoner and has made it his mission “to have the head” of the general. He becomes a Gladiator and works his way up. On the other hand, Acacius is planning to overthrow the emperors (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger). He feels guilty for everything that the emperors have had him do. He ends up getting caught and sentenced to fighting against a rising gladiator. The gladiator happens to be Lucius. However, realizing the situation and seeing Acacius’ guilt, they both decide not to fight each other. They both are likable characters and I remember thinking that I didn’t want them fighting each other and I am so glad that the “rivalry” ended like this. While there are many different aspects of the story that I enjoyed, like Macrinus’ manipulation of the emperors, this was definitely the part I liked the most.

Another thing that was absolutely fantastic was the acting. The actors were able to portray the same seriousness that the first movie had back in 2000. It is not a funny movie, but it is a movie that portrays the same sense of revenge, duty, and honor that the first movie did. Paul Mescal truly feels like Russell Crowe’s son.

In conclusion, the movie was incredible and quite impressive. Gladiator II was a proper sequel that felt like it was actually a part of the same world. The only thing I wished to see more of was the problem between the two emperors that caused the distrust between them. But overall, it was absolutely fantastic.

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Gladiator II is a solid sequel but doesn't quite triumph like the original. Be prepared, it's quite a bit gorier than the first. 

Gladiator II is a mostly satisfying film, though some detractors will inevitably dislike it simply because it doesn't quite live up to Gladiator. Let's face it, the original was a tough act to follow, with twelve Academy Award nominations and five Oscars in hand, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Costume Design. Some will chalk it up to a cash grab, but aren’t all movies? Gladiator II has been long gestating in Ridley Scott’s mind, finally releasing 24 years after the first. I tend to think that time has likely served it well.

As with the first Gladiator, don’t expect much humor. There are a few snarky lines, but they’re wrapped in drama—something natural in the heat of the moment, not forced (no one-liners here).

Visually, Gladiator II is stunning. That said, there are moments where the CGI looks a bit wonky (I’m calling you out, baboons). The action, however, is top-notch and enhances the dramatic themes of the games in the Colosseum and Roman treachery. Speaking of drama, I was a little put off by the sudden proclamation that Maximus is Lucius' father. In the first Gladiator, Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) is simply a gladiator whom Lucius looks up to (although it's noted that Maximus and Lucius's mother had a past relationship). Lucius was supposedly named after his father, Lucius Verus. In Gladiator II, there's a weak explanation suggesting Maximus is Lucius' father—too much convenience for my taste.

The acting is B+. Most films have weak links, and there are a few here. Denzel Washington is almost always a sure bet, and he does well, but his New York accent was a bit off-putting for me. It’s not that I expected the actors to have Roman Latin accents (is that even a thing?), but there was no attempt to disguise it.

If you’re one of those people who says, “The sequel is never equal” and can’t accept something less, don’t go see Gladiator II. If you’re open to watching a solid film that continues in the same universe, go for it. Even at nearly 2.5 hours, I was kept entertained and will definitely watch the whispered-about third installment, if it ever happens.

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