Gladiator - Part II - Are you not entertained - again?

Gladiator - Part II

English Epic /  Drama

148 mins
Prime Video

Twenty-five years ago, at the dawn of the millennium, Gladiator introduced me to Hans Zimmer. Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe’s moment of glory was immortalized by its soundscape and evocative score. Now We Are Free remains a staple on my driving playlist.

Twenty-five years later, Gladiator II earns its place on the list of the most unnecessary sequels of all time. Despite lukewarm reviews, I goaded myself into watching it—out of sheer compulsion—only because of the cast: my favorite, Denzel Washington, Hollywood’s Vijay Sethupathi -  Pedro Pascal and the 2x play speed on Prime Video

Like its predecessor, Gladiator II follows a similar plot and execution. Hanno (Paul Mescal) is a farmer from Numidia. When the Roman General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades and conquers Numidia, Hanno’s wife dies in battle. Hanno and many others are enslaved by Acacius and taken to Rome.

Rome is ruled by the maniacal twin Emperors Geta and Caracalla. Acacius, weary of doing their bidding, longs for a quiet life with his wife, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as the Emperor’s daughter from Gladiator).

In the arena, Hanno impresses Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a slave trader, who adds him to his stable. Macrinus quickly recognizes Hanno’s potential and eventually uncovers his noble lineage. As Macrinus maneuvers to drive a wedge between the tyrannical emperors, Hanno leads a revolt against the slave traders. You know how this ends…

Paul Mescal brings rage, muscle, and bravado as Hanno. Pascal has only a few scenes but, as always, delivers. Denzel Washington channels Alonzo (his Oscar-winning role from Training Day) in a tunic—and has a blast doing it. Joseph Quinn (Eddie Munson from Stranger Things) is menacing as Emperor Geta. 

The Colosseum and action set pieces feel like more of the same, making Gladiator all the more a cinematic achievement which has stood the test of time. Ridley Scott throws in leaping baboons and sharks for some shock and awe. As for the score, Harry Gregson-Williams (Hans Zimmer’s protégé) does an decent job, but it’s only in the last ten minutes—when Lisa Gerrard's haunting vocals hum "Now We Are Free " - that I actually felt something.

I’m sure Ridley Scott made good money to return and direct this sequel—probably while sitting in a chair. Nothing else would explain why he would risk tarnishing one of his most accomplished works.