'Gladiator II' Review

Ridley Scott's sequel to the iconic Gladiator film is out TODAY! I was lucky enough to see it last night with a surprise appearance from Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, & Fred Hechinger. The 11pm IMAX screening was packed with an energetic audience and the film did not disappoint:

Plot 10/10
Acting 10/10
Directing 9/10
Writing 10/10
Cinematography 9/10
Soundtrack 8/10
Effects 9/10
Lighting 9/10
Color 8/10
Emotional Impact 10/10

Overall: 92/100

WOW! I was worried about this one. Truly, I was. I'm a huge fan of Gladiator, but Ridley Scott hasn't exactly been on a hot streak as of late. But I think it's safe to say we are so back. The film follows Hanno (Paul Mescal) whose home is conquered by the Roman Army. He survives after witnessing the death of his wife and vows to kill General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Macrinus (Denzel Washington) promises Hanno the General if he will be his muse as a Gladiator. Hanno really doesn't have a choice so he concedes. The film then follows Hanno's journey to revenge and it's revealed that he is actually Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus & Lucilla and the rightful heir to Rome. He learns that the General isn't the one to get revenge on, but actually the two Emperors and Macrinus. The plot is compelling, original, and fresh. I was worried it would just be the plot of Gladiator again, but it really builds off the first one in a masterful way. The performances are stellar with particular standouts being Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, and DENZEL. WASHINGTON. He has become a QUICK front runner for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. As of right now it's a two-man race between him and Yura Borisov of Anora and I'm excited to see who gets the gold. The directing is stellar and the writing is exciting and jazzed UP! The technical elements are great, especially if you just fully give into the film and appreciate it for the grand-scale of everything. Some of the effects don't look the best, but in general I'd say it's grade-A. I was coming off a long work day with no sleep since 8:30AM and I was AWAKE by the time the film was wrapping at around 1:45am. That should tell you all you need to know!

Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines!

Zeke H. Bennett