Gladiator II [2024] – Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal

Gladiator II delivers a thrilling historical drama on par with its predecessor. The movie relies heavily on its stars even when the story and production fails them.

Director Ridley Scott delivers a thrilling drama with this one. The story and drama of Gladiator II may be fairly dull. In fact, it repeats much of the same beats as the original. However, it’s superb action, and gore, as well as its outlandish historical inaccuracy are where the film truly shines.

Some might think that Paul Mescal just seems overwhelmed. I can’t argue with them, and I don’t envy him. He’s stepping in the shoes of a role that won its actor an Oscar. Regardless, even if he doesn’t quite feel as the main character in some scenes, he delivers a powerful performance that steals some of Pedro Pascal‘s thunder.

However, this movie belongs to Denzel Washington. His performance as an ex-slave turned Gladiator turned basically pimp, should easily put him in the running for all the awards in the next season. He elevates everyone around him in each scene he appears in. Despite its long run-time and forced callbacks to the first film, this is a solid watch because of Denzel.

Should you watch it?

Gladiator II might not quite match the staggering highs of Crowe’s biggest movie star moments in the original, it comes pretty close. Ridley Scott’s sequel is entertaining, but it feels more like a redo.

Watch it purely for Mescal’s and Denzel’s performances.

Where can I watch it?

Gladiator II is now playing in theaters.