The long-awaited sequel to “Gladiator 1” has finally hit theaters with a bang, grossing over $239 million worldwide. Released over 20 years after the first movie, “Gladiator 2” was engaging for the most part but fell short of its full potential.
Both movies were directed by Ridley Scott, who is also known for movies such as “Alien” and “the Martian.” As a stand-alone, Gladiator 2 was certainly an impressive tale of betrayal, revenge, and action. The protagonist, Haro, fights for his life as a gladiator in ancient Rome. The star-studded cast includes Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington. Gladiator 2 does a good job of keeping a balance between introducing new characters to keep the story new and interesting while also keeping some old ones to continue unfinished plotlines from the first movie.
However, compared to the success and quality of Gladiator 1, unfortunately the sequel does not hold up. Gladiator 1 was better at having simultaneous, nuanced stories that made the movie complex and unique. Gladiator 2 has this to some extent but feels less original since it has been done before.
Still, Gladiator 2 is an entertaining movie in its own right and is a worthwhile watch.
While defeating cruel and mentally unstable political leaders was a key plot point of the original movie, “Gladiator 2” continued this theme by introducing not one, but two dictator emperors. Emperors Caraculla and Geta are played by Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger, pictured above. (Photos/Wikimedia Commons)
