History has a way of repeating itself, as we learn in “Gladiator II,” a sequel that traces many of the original’s steps.
Here, though, Paul Mescal is the outsider railing at a corrupt government. He’s the son of Maximus (Russell Crowe in the original) who has been prompted to leave his idyllic life in Numidia when a Roman army (led by Pedro Pascal) sweeps in and pulls Mescal’s Lucius into its breads and circuses. Quickly, he’s tossed into the Colosseum where he’s able to hold his own with a bunch of monkeys. Yup, monkeys.
Twenty-four years after “Gladiator,” Ridley Scott is back with more swords, sandals and … a rhino. Yes, that horned mammal makes its way into the Colosseum this time, but it’s far from the only new addition. Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal star in this sequel, set several decades following the events of the original movie. (Nov. 22, in theaters)
Senators like this plucky gladiator and, soon, he’s fighting all sorts of adversaries (including sharks … don’t ask). His mother (Connie Nielsen in one of the few returning performances) spots him immediately and wonders if, maybe, history can be changed.
She’s under the thumb of twin emperors (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), however, who look like they’re wearing too much sunscreen and act like they’ve attended too many Wine Wednesdays.
They’re easily influenced and that’s where Denzel Washington comes in. He plays Macrinus, a gladiator boss who has greater ambitions. He becomes Lucius’s owner and sees him as his way to the top.
The new "Barbenheimer" is "Glicked," with the release this weekend in the U.S. of "Gladiator II" and "Wicked." "Gladiator II" stars Paul Mescal and Fred Hechinger say a friendly box office face-off boosts the movie industry. (Nov. 20)
Before long, he’s working senators to view his side of things and getting unchecked buy-in from most of them.
Director Ridley Scott knows which themes he needs to repeat from the first film (which won the Best Picture Academy Award) but doesn’t quite have the money to make it seem as lavish. Special effects, as a result, look a little ragged while togas have a worn quality that might be found in Caesar’s Second-Hand Store.
“Gladiator II’s” best moments come when Mescal is in play with Washington or Nielsen. He knows how to squeeze the sentiment (is it those puppy-dog eyes?) and give the story more than a little heft. He’s good in the arena, too, and captures just enough of Crowe’s swagger to make you believe there’s a connection.
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“Gladiator II” thrives on blood – heads role, arms get sliced, arrows pierce everyone. But it’s not as repetitive as some war films. Here there are moments that get you to think about the mental games that are played and let you see just how lemming-like other senators have been.
Scott makes contemporary ties in salient ways but doesn’t let politics interfere with a crackling good story.
Moments from “Spartacus,” “Ben-Hur” and other epics from the 1950s and ‘60s come to mind as Mescal makes his way through the great balls of fire, jaws of death and those loopy twins. He tastes opium as well but knows there’s a greater purpose to fighting in an arena. Moments, in fact, look like they could have been cobbed from an episode of “Star Wars.” When Washington shows his hand, it’s just a matter of time before the commoners rebel and Lucius is in charge.
More could have been made of the gladiator’s life since the first film but much of this works, considering the goal is to get him in the lion’s den with those sharks.
“Gladiator II” didn’t need more than two decades to appear but it does complete the story and give Mescal the kind of showcase that launched Crowe into a big, big career. Now it's his turn in the ring.
