Gladiator II review: Thumbs up! Muscular Mescal slays it as the son of Maximus

As a lifestyle expert with over two decades of film criticism under my belt, I can confidently say that Gladiator II, despite its historical liberties and unsubtle parallels, is still a worthy addition to Ridley Scott’s impressive oeuvre.

For some, the original Gladiator 24 years ago was Sir Ridley Scott’s masterpiece.

Mind you, he also gave us Alien, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise, not to mention the famous 1973 advert for Hovis, the one with the delivery boy pushing his bike up the steep cobbled street – ‘T’was like taking bread to the top of the world!’ – to the strains of Dvorak’s New World Symphony.

Compared to the long, challenging journey spanning over two decades to bring Gladiator II from concept to cinema, that phase was relatively effortless. Nonetheless, the project has finally been completed, and despite this sequel not reaching the lofty peaks of the original film and occasionally bending some truths about ancient Rome for dramatic effect, it still merits a moderately positive review.

The film introduces Paul Mescal as Lucius, the young relative of the cruel Emperor Commodus. Due to circumstances, Lucius hasn’t met his sister Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen) in years. Somehow, he finds himself in Numidia, North Africa, where he has built a completely new existence for himself, complete with a well-toned physique that speaks of maturity.

Lucius has been enjoying marital harmony for some time, yet this peace may soon be shattered. Across the Mediterranean Sea, a powerful Roman fleet approaches, headed by the formidable General Marcus Acacius, portrayed by Pedro Pascal.

Lucius valiantly heads the uprising of the Numidians, yet it proves fruitless. Sadly, he and his fellow warriors are taken captive and forced into slavery in Rome. To add insult to injury, let your imagination paint a picture of what befell his beautiful wife – it was far from pleasant.

Constantly, it seems like Scott’s thoughts are grinding like chariot wheels, as he and screenwriter David Scarpa subtly echo the original movie. Notably, in the original, Russell Crowe’s character Maximus Decimus Meridius was depicted as a father who lost his son and a husband who lost his wife to death.

In no time, similar to Maximus previously, Lucius has been chosen for his impressive gladiatorial prowess. A shady arms dealer named Macrinus (Denzel Washington, relishing his lines with an almost unhidden joy) selects him as his champion, noting that ‘anger seems to flow from you like milk.’

Without a doubt, Lucius faces everything the Colosseum presents without flinching – from dangerous baboons to an extraordinary spectacle that might make ancient Roman scholars toss their books in astonishment: a warrior-rhino riding on a saddle. Additionally, let’s not get started on the ferocious sharks brought in to intensify the reenactment of a sea battle.

Simultaneously, Rome has degenerated into a morass of immorality and dishonesty, governed by the filthy rulers Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his brother Caracalla (Fred Hechinger), who are far from honorable.

As a diehard fan, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the intriguing fusion of ancient Rome and the punk rock revolution! It’s fascinating to think that Hechinger modeled Caracalla on Sid Vicious, while Geta bore a resemblance to Johnny Rotten. The idea of these emperors being inspired by the Sex Pistols is nothing short of mind-blowing.

Unsurprisingly, Geta and Caracalla’s imperial aspirations knew no bounds after their successful annexation of Numidia. Acacius was commanded to advance into Persia and India next.

Recognizing them as troublemakers akin to modern-day twins like Jedward dressed in togas, he discerns they pose a threat to Rome. Thus, he conspires with his wife, the delightful Lucilla, to oust them from power.

Lucilla strongly supports a government overthrow, yet she must handle a significant family issue first. She’s discovered that Lucius, who shares her sentiments initially, is none other than her long-lost child. However, he initially refuses any connection with her due to a vow he made to eliminate her husband, Acacius – who turns out to be his stepfather.

In regards to his true father, since the movie trailer has already revealed this information, it’s not considered a spoiler. The character Lucius is actually the son of the late Maximus, a heroic figure, which explains why he can control a dangerous baboon. This new revelation, however, complicates everything we previously understood from the first film.

Sure thing!

Gladiator II opens in cinemas on Friday

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2024-11-12 01:20