Gladiator II review: Right from its opening battle sequence, Ridley Scott's Gladiator II grabs you by the collar to have your attention and refuses to let go. Even in its slow moments of exposition, the film commands it. Add some spectacular battles, visually stunning sets, and a host of powerful performances, and you have a winner on your hands, right? Well, almost! Despite its grandeur and finesse, Gladiator II suffers because of the bar raised by Part 1.
It stays unmemorable, failing to deliver the emotional highs and quote-worthy lines that made Part One such a cultural phenomenon. And that is where Gladiator II fails, if one may use the term slightly unkindly. ( Also read: Gladiator 2 first reviews: Critics call Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington sequel ‘imitative’ but ‘entertaining’ ) What is Gladiator II about Gladiator II is about Hanno (Paul Mescal), a Numidian soldier who hates Rome.
After his wife is killed and he is captured in battle with General Acacius ( Pedro Pascal ), he vows to have his head. Forced to be a gladiator in the stable of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), Hanno becomes a crowd favourite, and it is soon revealed that he is the son of Maximus and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), making him an heir to the throne of Rome. Now, opposing factions want to use him in their power grab against the twin Emperors - Geta and Caracalla (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger).
Right from the story to its background score, Gladiator II fails to shake off comparisons from Par.
