Gladiator 2 Review: Are We Entertained?

article written by Ben King @crowscritics and Craig Baker @craigreviews

Gladiator 2 is set to release in cinemas this Friday and here’s why you need to see this film on the big screen! Frame were lucky enough to see this film early and here are our thoughts!

After 24 years, we finally are returning to Rome. Ridley Scott has returned to bring us the next chapter of Gladiator with an exceptional new cast; but does it live up to its predecessor?

We follow the tale of Lucius Verus ( Paul Mescal ) as he discovers the truth about his childhood and the man he is meant to be. But whilst uncovering this mystery he must come face to face with the terrifying city of Rome; ran by extremely murder hungry twin emperors. (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger.)

This film also stars a mega ensemble of; Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington and returning Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi. 

Being the first movie since the original masterpiece; this film had a lot to live up too. Although the hype of returning to Rome had us gripping on the end of our seat, we couldn’t help but fill slightly let down.

Was this due to such high expect actions from the first? Or potentially due to a very similiar story to the first. Although minor changes were made the story is almost follows the exact same plot as Russel Crows origin in Gladiator.

But don’t take that as a negative… The first film is a masterpiece so to relive this extraordinary story is amazing. But just slightly disappointing missing out on what could have been a new imaginative story.

Although we feel the story lacked. The cast surely didn’t. With Paul Mescal leading the story; confident and beautifully filling the mighty Gladiator role. It was truly Denzel Washington that stole the show. With quick witty lines and a story arc almost unexpected what else could we have expected from one of the greatest actors alive today?

This feature truly immerses the viewer into the horror of the power of a Roman emperor. So what could be worse than one evil emperor? Twin Emperors are a thing of legend and that is truly what both of these incredible actors give through this performance. With blood hungry motives crossed with a lost mind the relationship and balance flicking back and forth between the brothers is incredible to witness. Truly lost as to what there devious mind will choose next.

Gladiator 2 is a film on a huge scale that involves fantastically choreographed, intense fight scenes, not just between gladiators but also; monkeys, rhinos and sharks. The way that these scenes are shot and executed is a real joy to watch and is something that needs to be seen on the big screen!

With such a nostalgic story to follow there is only one thing we truly missed. The soundtrack… Hans Zimmer was truly missed for this feature and unfortunately as an audience member you can feel this loss. Gladiator holds some of the most iconic and heart clutching music that lives inside you all these years later and to return to the world it’s a shame to not feel the same affect it once held. Although Ridley Scott has delivered us back to relive an incredible classic in the world of Gladiator . I believe this film was a good addition to what could potentially be an ever growing insight into the world of Rome. Unfortunately it does not live up to the iconic feature that came before.

Ridley Scott is also no stranger to building sets, and this is one for the history books, he literally built Rome, although it wasn’t in a day it was still great to see it all come to life in this film! At 86, Ridley is back in the director chair, providing a sequel to one of the best movies ever made. With a budget over £300m, this film is not shy of its ambition and scale. Ridley Scott is one of the best to ever do it and like he said this week, he doesn’t see himself stopping anytime soon! 

all images are owned by Paramount Pictures.

Gladiator 2 delves into a variety of themes, including; vengeance, honour and freedom. 

Nonetheless, this is something that needs to be seen on the big screen and I implore you, please go watch it. You’re going to have a great time! 

article written by Ben King @crowscritics and Craig Baker @craigreviews