TFour years later, Ridley Scott’s belated sequel to his biggest critical success has finally hit theaters. How does this compare to the first film? Can Paul convince Mescal? Does Denzel Washington steal the show? And what about that rhino? Here’s the place to unpack everything.
Can it compare?
Paul Mescal has said he does something different from Russell Crowe, who plays his father. Is that difference something that you embrace or does it make you uneasy? Washington’s character says that Lucius’ anger flows “like milk from a whore’s tit.” Did that anger translate effectively?
Some critics felt that the film’s structure was a little too reminiscent of the original: was that a problem for you? Or is an innovation what many target groups actually want?
Denzel, Pedro… and the rest
Washington has garnered the most Oscar buzz for his role as a ruthless power broker. Is it deserved? Who else would you like to praise or shame? Was the crazy twins of Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger a tad too Joaquin Phoenix-lite? Did Pedro Pascal get enough airtime? And wasn’t it great to see so much airtime for Tim McInnerny?
AI, CGI etc
Reviewers have zeroed in on the depiction of the baboons, but how did you think they compared to the waving animatronic rhino, the vistas of ancient Italy, the generous beheadings, and all the sharks?
This is about survival!
Crowe once summarized the plot of Gladiator this way: “For example, we have that huge fight sequence at the beginning of the movie and that’s followed by a series of huge fight sequences, building up to a huge fight sequence, so that we can end up in a fight sequence that even I would describe as enormous. Which of the huge battles this time was the best – and which fell flat?
Death becomes them
There are some remarkably creative and oppressive goals achieved in Gladiator II. Did you see the dozen arrows coming? And was there a touch of Monty Python in that final cut of the reel?
“Sorry, buddy, were you there? No? Well, shut up then
Scott’s robust response to historians who have questioned the accuracy of his historical efforts might make you think twice before wondering whether they really had newspapers in ancient Rome (The Roma), or whether there were sharks swam in the Colosseum, or that syphilis was a thing. when. But feel free to come and give it a try if you think you’re tough enough.
Little women
The press notes for the film pile on in spades about how Connie Nielsen’s character is the smartest, wisest, and most cunning of them all. But how are the women here – both of them – treated? And how much Oedipal friction did you notice between Mescal and his mother?
A kiss is just a kiss
Pre-release, it was the impromptu smacker that Mescal delivers to Pascal in the ring that made headlines. As the film arrives, it’s Washington’s revelation about a cut gay clincher that has generated heat. How sex-positive was the film, given its relative chastity?
‘People haven’t seen hope for years’
How does the film speak – if at all – to the current political landscape? Does this show that we underestimate wealthy men with an ear to power at our peril? How gaping are the gates to hell right now? How smooth that descent?
The sequel
Scott is drafting it now and says it will be similar to The Godfather Part II, with Lucius not exactly happy with the power and responsibility he has been given. What direction would you like to see the film go?
Were you entertained?
How does the film measure up not only to the original, but to the rest of the films currently on offer? Is it a welcome legacy or a dusty old relic? Did you and the rest of the audience leave you wanting more or did we give it an imperial thumbs down?
