Gladiator 2 - We Are Not Entertained

Summary

Gladiator 2 is a sequel that fails to live up to the original in nearly every way. Set 16 years after the first film, it rehashes familiar plot points with less depth and more absurdity. The movie struggles with incoherent character arcs, forced performances, and a meandering narrative. Lucius, the son of Maximus, seeks revenge but loses focus with a string of underdeveloped antagonists. Despite a star-studded cast, including Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, the film suffers from poor direction, lackluster performances, and a bloated runtime. Ultimately, it proves that some stories are best left untold.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Gladiator 2* feels more like a loose remake than a genuine sequel, recycling major plot points and characters from the original film.
• 😀 The film suffers from a bloated, meandering plot with too many undeveloped characters and a lack of clear direction.
• 😀 Lucius, the protagonist, shares his tragic backstory with Maximus but lacks the same depth or compelling motivation, making his arc feel less impactful.
• 😀 The introduction of Pedro Pascal as the antagonist fails to deliver the emotional resonance of Commodus, the antagonist in the first film.
• 😀 The pacing of *Gladiator 2* is sluggish, making the film feel longer than it actually is, despite being shorter than the original.
• 😀 Denzel Washington's performance is out of place in the historical epic, with his modern-day mannerisms and accent detracting from the film’s tone.
• 😀 The film’s two Emperors are portrayed as over-the-top, cartoonish villains, lacking the depth and motivation that made Commodus a compelling antagonist.
• 😀 Lucius’ shift in motivations, from seeking revenge to eventually embracing the 'Roman dream,' feels unconvincing and poorly explained.
• 😀 The film’s climax, featuring a sword fight between Lucius and Denzel Washington, feels anti-climactic and forced, with no real emotional build-up.
• 😀 The script wastes the potential of its talented cast, with underdeveloped characters and poorly realized performances undermining the film’s gravitas.
• 😀 Overall, *Gladiator 2* fails to capture the emotional depth and powerful storytelling of the original, leaving viewers with a disappointing and unnecessary sequel.

Q & A

Why does the reviewer believe *Gladiator 2* should not have been made?

The reviewer feels that *Gladiator 2* is unnecessary because it essentially repeats the same narrative structure as the original film, while lacking the emotional depth and coherence that made the first film a classic. The story is seen as redundant and inferior to the original.

What are some of the flaws of *Gladiator 2* mentioned in the review?

The flaws include a meandering plot, poorly developed characters, repetitive narrative beats from the original, and a confusing emotional arc for the protagonist, Lucius. The film also suffers from over-the-top performances and a lack of clear motivations for its characters.

How does the reviewer compare the performances of Russell Crowe in *Gladiator* and the cast of *Gladiator 2*?

The reviewer praises Russell Crowe's performance in the original film for its powerful, emotionally driven portrayal of Maximus. In contrast, the reviewer criticizes the performances in *Gladiator 2*, especially those of Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, who are seen as miscast and lacking the gravitas needed for a historical epic.

What is the role of Lucius in *Gladiator 2*, and how does it relate to the original film?

Lucius, who was a child in the first movie, takes on a central role in *Gladiator 2*. His storyline mirrors Maximus' arc from the original, seeking revenge and redemption, but the reviewer argues that Lucius' emotional journey feels inconsistent and diluted as the film introduces multiple antagonists.

Why does the reviewer describe *Gladiator 2* as 'bloated' and 'clunky'?

The reviewer describes *Gladiator 2* as bloated because it includes too many characters that aren't well-developed, resulting in a slow and meandering plot. The film is criticized for dragging on longer than necessary without a clear sense of direction or purpose.

What does the reviewer think about the two Emperors in *Gladiator 2*?

The reviewer finds the two Emperors to be comically overacted, comparing them to cartoon characters rather than credible political figures. Their exaggerated villainy is seen as a weakness in the film, particularly in contrast to the more nuanced character of Commodus in the original film.

How does *Gladiator 2* handle the concept of revenge compared to the original film?

In *Gladiator 2*, the theme of revenge is less focused and more diluted, as it is split between multiple characters and antagonists. Lucius' motivation for vengeance is less compelling and lacks the emotional weight that Maximus' quest for revenge carried in the first movie.

What is the significance of the relationship between Lucius and his mother, played by Connie Nielsen?

Lucius' relationship with his mother, who initially sent him away to safety, is central to his personal arc. However, the reviewer finds this subplot unconvincing, as Lucius' anger and resentment toward her disappear too quickly, undermining the emotional stakes of the character's journey.

How does the reviewer feel about the pacing and length of *Gladiator 2*?

The reviewer notes that while *Gladiator 2* is technically shorter than the original, it feels much longer due to its slow pacing and drawn-out plot. The film is criticized for overstaying its welcome, especially with an overly extended final act that feels unnecessary.

What does the reviewer think about the film’s use of action and sword fights?

The reviewer feels that the sword fights in *Gladiator 2* lack the intensity and drama of the original movie. The final showdown between Lucius and Denzel Washington is especially criticized, with the reviewer pointing out the unrealistic nature of the battle between a 70-year-old Senator and a younger, fit gladiator.