GamesRadar+ VerdictNot perfect and not a patch on the original film, but the magic of Ridley Scott’s direction and Denzel Washington’s performance elevates Gladiator 2 into the epic spectacle it needs to be. But best to manage your expectations in comparison to the Oscar-winning film.TODAY’S BEST DEALSCheck AmazonPros+Doesn’t try to emulate the original+Thrilling battle scenes+Denzel Washington’s performance is everythingCons-Not as good as the original and takes a while to find its feet-Suffers from an uneven storyline which undermines character growth-An underwhelming score
GamesRadar+ Verdict
GamesRadar+ Verdict
Not perfect and not a patch on the original film, but the magic of Ridley Scott’s direction and Denzel Washington’s performance elevates Gladiator 2 into the epic spectacle it needs to be. But best to manage your expectations in comparison to the Oscar-winning film.TODAY’S BEST DEALSCheck Amazon
Not perfect and not a patch on the original film, but the magic of Ridley Scott’s direction and Denzel Washington’s performance elevates Gladiator 2 into the epic spectacle it needs to be. But best to manage your expectations in comparison to the Oscar-winning film.
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Pros+Doesn’t try to emulate the original+Thrilling battle scenes+Denzel Washington’s performance is everything
Doesn’t try to emulate the original
Thrilling battle scenes
Denzel Washington’s performance is everything
Cons-Not as good as the original and takes a while to find its feet-Suffers from an uneven storyline which undermines character growth-An underwhelming score
Not as good as the original and takes a while to find its feet
Suffers from an uneven storyline which undermines character growth
An underwhelming score
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Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.
It’s understandable why many are feeling nervous aboutGladiator 2. After all, the Oscar-winning original has cemented itself in the cultural zeitgeist for its epic speeches, its thrilling battles (both emotionally and in the arena), a god-tier score from composer Hans Zimmer, and is rightly considered as one of director Ridley Scott’s best films.
While the filmmaker can be a bit hit-or-miss as of late (for every Alien and Blade Runner, we getThe House of GucciandNapoleon), it’s hard to argue against the notion that no-one makes films like he does. Scott is a rare breed director and so all eyes are on his return to the colosseum.
Things could have been very different had musician Nick Cave had his way with Gladiator 2, going down a time-travelling saga route where Maximus (Russell Crowe) battles his way through the afterlife. While thankfully the sequel escapes that path, admittedly it doesn’t reach the lofty heights of the Oscar-winning predecessor. However, with Scott and star Denzel Washington delivering the goods, it is the best outcome it could have hoped for.
Treading its own path
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
It’s still a story about vengeance, but with added measures of political corruption and greed, it sets a different tone that is welcome relief in justifying its existence. In fact, Scarpa’s script feels like a natural extension of Gladiator’s extended cut, building on the shadowy politics hidden within the walls of Ancient Rome.
Fast factsRelease date:November 15, 2024 (UK), November 22, 2024 (US)Available on:In theatersDirector:Ridley ScottRuntime:2h 28m
Fast facts
Release date:November 15, 2024 (UK), November 22, 2024 (US)Available on:In theatersDirector:Ridley ScottRuntime:2h 28m
Release date:November 15, 2024 (UK), November 22, 2024 (US)Available on:In theatersDirector:Ridley ScottRuntime:2h 28m
If Scott was making a point about politics becoming more about self-obsessed, petulant leaders who have zero care for their citizens, then Quinn and Hechinger’s duo are its vessel, filled with plenty of over-the-top theatricality and a monkey as Caracalla’s sidekick (of course). It’s safe to say, Scott is not without his sense of humor, intentionally or otherwise.
Are you not entertained?
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Rome’s hope and future is found in Lucius (Paul Mescal), with rage in his heart and vowing vengeance (in this life or the next) against General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) for the death of his wife Arishat (Yuval Gonen) during the battle of Numidia.
On the surface, Scarpa’s script may feel familiar, but he does have some fun in the gladiatorial sandbox. In playing with the dynamics, Lucius has turned his back on the poison of Rome whilst Acacius plots his Emperors’ downfall despite being the poster boy of the Empire. This neatly positions Scott’s film into a tantalizing showdown with Rome on the verge of a dramatic collapse.
An uneven tale
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
Connie Nielsen’s Lucilla and her decision to give up her son is not explored with enough depth, nor does it elaborate on how the two Emperors rose to power in the vacuum of Aurielus’ death. It’s a missed opportunity, which stops the sequel from reaching its full potential.
The film also misses composer Hans Zimmer. It’s easy to underestimate how instrumental Zimmer’s voice was who, alongside singer Lisa Gerrard, provided the emotional heavy-lifting to some of the original film’s most iconic moments. While his replacement Harry Gregson-Williams does an admirable job, his effort sadly lacks the visceral punch to elevate above the dramatics on screen.
A Washington win
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)
But when it does stick its landing, Gladiator 2 stands strong thanks to Washington’s Macrinus. The Academy Award-winner has the time of his life playing a political schemer and social climber, with his unmatched energy swanning about in extravagant robes, which are upgraded after every political shift he oversees. Macrinus' quest for power, alongside his backstory, makes the sequel a worthy entry. Meanwhile, Mescal continues to grow confidently as the leading man while Pascal does his best with his limited screen time.
Gladiator 2 arrives in UK cinemas on November 15 before heading to US theaters on November 22. In the meantime, check out our guide to all the upcoming majormovie release datesfor everything else the year has in store.
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