Gladiator II

Think it’s water down and nothing like the first one

That was an epic ride... 165min runtime and it went by like a wind, pacing was almost perfect, for my taste I would love to see more scenic scenes for example [spoiler] I would love to see how they filled out colloseum with water and how the got sharks in it [/spoiler]. Could be twice that long and still it would not be enough but even so I was perfectly entertained.

Ridley Scott did this great movie for future generations. I’ll save it to my collection of best all-time movies.

At least for me Gladiator is if not my favorite movie it is one of them, for everything that Maximus represents, a leader of both Romans and gladiators and multitudes. In addition to the spectacular nature of the film. Well, I don't give this one a 10 because the first one was a spectacle for me, and I want to leave it a little higher than this one, but giving it a 9, if I hadn't seen the other it would be a 10. I love how they have made a sequel in which if you don't see the first one you miss a lot of the second one, and that doesn't usually happen lately, they make sequels that without having seen their previous ones you could see it perfectly. Simply spectacular and as always Ridley Scott leaving a mark

'Gladiator II' is awesome!

I only watched the original three years ago, almost to the day in fact, but I was anticipating this follow-up after thoroughly loving the Russell Crowe film. Honestly, I think I kinda enjoyed this sequel more - at worst, the two are on the same level, for me anyway. Crowe is missed, though everyone in this movie more than makes up for his (obvious) absence.

This is the first time I've seen Paul Mescal act, despite knowing of him for quite a while now. I'm impressed! He delivers a showing of great strength (pardon the pun). Pedro Pascal is very good too, as is Joseph Quinn; I wasn't instantly sold on the latter when he appeared onscreen, though when all is said and done I rate his performance positively.

Denzel Washington... what a geezer. I'll never tire or turn down the chance at seeing that man act. Needless to say, given he's one of two favourite actors of mine, I loved his performance all the way through. The likes of Fred Hechinger and Connie Nielsen merit fair praise as well, interesting to see Rory McCann and Matt Lucas in there too.

Oh, and the score... superb! Deafeningly grand.

I went in with low expectations, and the movie ended up surprising me. Although in essence they do like Force Awakens, recycling part of the plot of the first one in a remake disguised as a sequel, the story makes a turn, focusing much more on the political plot of Rome, in a fierce struggle for power that is very enjoyable, all while we still see that fight for the ancient republican ideals of Rome, against the excesses of a totalitarian Empire.

Perhaps the only bad things are the occasional moments of CGI (the monkeys in the Colosseum are simply horrible), and that Hollywood mania of “the bigger the better”, like the idea of sharks in a flooded Colosseum. But despite this, it's a spectacle that captures the essence of the Roman imperial era.

What does weigh the film down is the mere fact that it's a sequel, as no matter how much it does well, it's still a reiteration of something already seen and done, so you don't get that same wow effect of the original. But in any case, it's a great movie that every movie fan should see.

Doesn't beat the original or the impact of it, I remember watching Gladiator at least 5 to 6 times when it came out, even saw it on Laser Disc back in the day. Still Gladiator II tried to do justice to the original but the way the story was told it's hard to have a connection with Mescal (Lucius), but the one who steals the show is Denzel Washington, and I did enjoy Pedro Pascal.

If you liked the original you will enjoy this one, and Ridley Scott did what he does best.

This is a much, much better film than many critics will have you think. Yes it mirrors the first film in quite a few ways, but not because it's derivative, rather because it seeks to (and typically succeeds) echo the first film in ways that bridge and expand on the narrative, characters and social significance of the first. In some ways I'd go so far as to say this is an essential sequel, and a poignant one at that. Honestly, there are few films in recent memory that match the scale, craftsmanship, nuance and entertainment value of this film, whilst also managing to capture true pathos and soul in it's characters and narrative, let alone doing so whilst expanding existing IP in meaningful ways. Mescal is excellent, as is Denzel and the cast as a whole. This is a must watch imo, and especially so if you loved the first.

More than two decades after Ridley Scott’s iconic Gladiator, the director returns to the world of Ancient Rome with Gladiator II, a sequel that revisits the epic visuals and themes of its predecessor. This time, the film features a new protagonist, Paul Mescal, joined by a stellar cast including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. While the movie manages to capture some of the grandeur of the original, it struggles to fully step out of its predecessor’s shadow.

From the outset, the film showcases a breathtaking spectacle, making it clear that this is an ambitious project. At 86, Ridley Scott proves he remains a master of cinematic spectacle. The action sequences are beautifully choreographed, with the arena scenes delivering the brutal and energetic combat fans might expect. However, the film doesn't solely rely on combat—it also explores themes of identity, honor, and power, though it lacks the emotional weight of the original.

Paul Mescal delivers a strong performance as the new hero, bringing intensity and charisma to his role. However, it’s Denzel Washington who steals the show with a magnetic performance. His character adds gravitas to the film and elevates scenes that might have otherwise fallen flat.

The screenplay, written by David Scarpa, tries to balance nostalgia with a fresh narrative. Still, the movie often feels trapped in a cycle of déjà vu. While it introduces new characters and storylines, many elements echo the original film, leading to a sense of predictability.

One of the biggest challenges for Gladiator II is the absence of Russell Crowe, whose portrayal of Maximus became one of modern cinema’s most iconic characters. While Mescal and Washington bring their own gravitas to the screen, the sequel doesn’t quite achieve the same emotional and epic resonance as the first film.

Visually and technically, Gladiator II is impeccable. The production design and cinematography magnificently recreate Ancient Rome, and the score by Hans Zimmer adds another layer of drama and emotion. The film’s scale is impressive, and certain sequences are truly stunning, especially when viewed on the big screen.

However, the primary issue with Gladiator II is that while it’s an entertaining and visually striking spectacle, it doesn’t fully justify its existence as a sequel. It doesn’t reach the depth or impact of the original, and in many moments, it feels like it’s merely replicating the formula that made Gladiator a classic.

That said, Gladiator II is still worth experiencing in theaters. It delivers epic battles, political intrigue, and a fast-paced narrative that will keep viewers engaged. Ridley Scott proves that he still has a firm grasp on the epic genre, and the charismatic lead performances help carry the film. While it may not be a masterpiece like its predecessor, it serves as a reminder of why sword-and-sandal films continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

yeah the good guys won the battle, but not the war. Trump Nero, proves that, 2000 years later. However, a story well told.