Roman rematch keeps dreaming big in Gladiator sequel: review

It's been 24 years since the Oscar-winning Gladiator - and director Ridley Scott is still dreaming about his vision of Rome that might still be possible

Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in "Gladiator II"Paramount Pictures

When it comes to the craftsmanship of the new historical fiction epic Gladiator II, sometimes you’ve got to call ‘em like you Colosseum: it’s an average film featuring an ensemble of actors with god-like talents even Juno and Jupiter would envy.

It’s been 24 years since Ridley Scott directed the original Gladiator, which went on to win the 2001 Academy Award for Best Picture. That film was much more stark, bleak and more focused on being equal parts history lesson and action epic.

Gladiator II, on the other hand, is clearly more focused on being an action epic/political drama as opposed to being historically accurate. The film grandly stretches the genre of historical fiction to the extreme, but when looked at as a morality tale and obvious fiction, the parts are mostly satisfying.

The story is a continuation in the line of Maximus Meridius, Russell Crowe’s character who (spoiler alert!) died in his pursuit of purging corruption from third-century Rome. The sequel sees his son Lucius Aurelius (played by the handsome Paul Mescal) come to Rome and begrudgingly continue his late father’s quest.

What is that quest? By winning over public opinion as…you guessed it, a gladiator! By working under the cunning businessman Macrinus (an engrossing Denzel Washington), Lucius takes on the alter ego “Hanno” and climbs the ranks of Roman society.

Director Scott has a great eye for action pieces and spectacular fights, especially those set in the Colosseum. Still, the sequel’s plot is messier and spends too much time on the political machinations and not enough on Lucius’s training and journey in Rome - most of the supporting cast gets too much time for too few events.

Mescal is a worthy star as Lucius, channelling both the calm and rage that defined Crowe’s Maximus. Returning Connie Nielsen as his mother Lucilla is also a welcome turn, as is newcomer Joseph Quinn as the violent Emperor Geta.

Strongest among the cast is undoubtedly Washington’s Macrinus - he’s smart, charismatic, ruthless and evolves as a performer throughout the film from mentor to conqueror of his own kind. Washington has already won two Oscars, and yet he’s worthy of a third. Even with a muddled plot, Washington shines brilliantly. As an actor, this part might seriously be his crowning achievement.

The final product is one that’s got sweeping set pieces and also too many historical liberties (there were never sharks in a gladiator fight) and an odd narrative pacing. The early scenes and final brawl are great, but come too fast, split by a much slower second act.

Audiences who abandon most reason and hope for insights into actual Roman history will be satiated with a well-acted exploration of what it means to truly lead and inspire. Lucius’s real dream of Rome that stable democracy and freedom can prevail is a hopeful reminder all of us could use these days.

The Snapshot: A cast of phenomenal actors fights through a script that doesn't match their own talents. It’s a historical battle that’s more fiction than historical.