Maulbert
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2024
- Messages
- 201
So, I'm not the biggest fan of the first film. I should say that right off. It's fine, certainly entertaining, but was never my thing. I watched it for the first time in over a decade on Wednesday before seeing the sequel. Good action, some questionable slow-motion, overall a solid film, and a 'dad movie' through and through.
As a history buff, if the first movie spat in history's face, Gladiator 2 gave history a swirlie. It is hilariously inaccurate, but I doubt anyone will care. This movie has some great performances, paticularly Denzel Washington gnawing on any piece of scenery he can. Also a good, though understated, turn by Pedro Pascal, his usual likable self. Joseph Quinn also is a standout as Emperor Geta, continuing his winning streak since getting noticed in Stranger Things as Eddie. Paul Mescal doesn't quite have Russell Crowe's presence, but he's solid as protagonist Hanno.
The action is great, possibly better than the first. While this will likely fall in the shadow of it's Oscar-winning predecessor, I feel it's a worthy successor, though as I mentioned, I was never a huge fan of the original. I was thoroughly entertained though, which has been a somewhat difficult challenge to overcome this year. If you love your sword-and-sandal epics, this is 100% in your wheelhouse. I'd personally give this a 7/10.
As a history buff, if the first movie spat in history's face, Gladiator 2 gave history a swirlie. It is hilariously inaccurate, but I doubt anyone will care. This movie has some great performances, paticularly Denzel Washington gnawing on any piece of scenery he can. Also a good, though understated, turn by Pedro Pascal, his usual likable self. Joseph Quinn also is a standout as Emperor Geta, continuing his winning streak since getting noticed in Stranger Things as Eddie. Paul Mescal doesn't quite have Russell Crowe's presence, but he's solid as protagonist Hanno.
The action is great, possibly better than the first. While this will likely fall in the shadow of it's Oscar-winning predecessor, I feel it's a worthy successor, though as I mentioned, I was never a huge fan of the original. I was thoroughly entertained though, which has been a somewhat difficult challenge to overcome this year. If you love your sword-and-sandal epics, this is 100% in your wheelhouse. I'd personally give this a 7/10.