KSL Movie Show review: ‘Gladiator II’ is a massive spectacle
Nov 22, 2024, 6:00 AM
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SALT LAKE CITY — The eyes have it. That’s the best way I can describe the difference between 2000’s Oscar-winning Gladiator and 2024’s Gladiator II. It’s in the eyes.
The original Gladiator had the charming, Mr. Cool Aussie Russell Crowe playing the charismatic Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius with kind, sympathetic eyes. While Gaelic maniac Paul Mescal menaces as Hanno, a wild-eyed captured soldier from the North African desert of Numidia.
Paul’s character has crazy eyes, with a nostril flare that makes you flinch with fear. While super Maximus was just a smooth operator who inspired his men with that commanding twinkle in his eye.
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Of course, I jest, as there are many other outstanding reasons to witness this film with a pretty similar storyline to the original movie. Both feature mystery men who come up through the ranks of the gladiators. They prove their fighting prowess with wit and wisdom to become champions of the people to the potential detriment of the current creepy Emperors.
But now you add the brilliant manipulations of a former slave Macrinus (Denzel Washington) who is slyly worming his way up the Roman food chain in an effort to seize power. Oh and he’s really, really good.
Plus you have Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), a reluctant Roman general who is tired of conquering distant lands for the glory of two pompous idiots. Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his more disturbed brother, Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). Marcus is the one who led the invasion of Numidia, which led to a huge personal loss for Hanno, who, of course, now seeks ultimate vengeance.
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By the way, Acacius is now married to Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), the sister of troubled Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) who was dispatched by Maximus (spoiler alert) in the first film for being a first-class evil despot.
All these players will get to rumble around in a much bigger and more detailed sandbox, as budget and special effects elevated to a staggering new level. Check out the much-improved Colosseum. It’s now complete with fighting rhinos; rabid, giant baboons; and naval battle scenes that were somewhat historically accurate for the times.
Gladiator II is a massive spectacle that is sure to please those who love sword & sandal movies. No one does them like Ridley Scott. And while this may not be quite as emotional or intense as the original, it can stand proudly next to that award-winning epic that was so awkwardly announced at the 2001 Golden Globes by a confused, tipsy Liz Taylor with a surprised declaration of “GLADIATOR!” Look it up. It’s a classic moment in movie history.
GLADIATOR II (A-) Rated R for strong bloody violence. Starring Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Derek Jacobi. Directed by Ridley Scott (“The Martian” “Black Hawk Down” “Gladiator” “Thelma & Louise”) – Filmed in Morocco. Running time: 148 minutes.
