2024 movies Gladiator II Lacks the power of the first film. However, I was late to the Ridley Scott party. The original film has Maximus yelling, “Aren’t you happy!” Yes, actually, I was.
story
Lucius Verus Aurelius enters the world of gladiators. He was purchased by Macrinus. Lucius’s new master planned to use his recent acquisitions to overthrow Rome’s current rulers.
Like his father, Lucius became a favorite among Roman citizens. They called him Hanno and cheered when he won. He became aware of Macrinus’ plot and planned his own plot to counter his master’s cunning and ruthless attempts to overthrow the current ruler.
main cast
Paul Mescal plays Lucius.
Denzo Washington plays Macrinus.
Pedro Pascal is General Acacius.
Connie Nielsen stars as Lucilla.
Joseph Quin is the Geta Emperor.
Fred Heckinger was the Emperor of Caracalla.
Leo Raz plays Viggo.
the rest
Derek Jacobi is Gracchus.
Peter Mensa is Jugurtha.
Matt Lucas served as master of ceremonies.
Tim McInerney is Senator Threx.
behind the camera
Directed by Ridley Scott Gladiator II With his usual flair. Before going any further, though, I have to say that this movie It seems brilliant. Each frame has its own beauty, with colors almost jumping off the screen. Scott’s vision here is one of violent opulence and stark corruption.
These things alone are enough to make this Oscar well-deserved.
David Scarpa and Peter Craig shared screenwriting duties, with Scarpa solely handling the screenplay. David Franzoni was offered the role “based on the character he created”.
Gladiator II Its complex storyline still manages to entertain. The worst secret in the film is that Lucius is the son of Lucilla and Maximus, which doesn’t take away from the scene.
John Mathieson as cinematographer makes every scene come alive. Watch this sequel to Russell Crowe’s original that looks like a Hollywood classic. Spartacus and Cleopatra immediately comes to mind. Sadly, we don’t have Richard Burton on hand to get things moving. It’s also reminiscent of the recent epic Troy.
The actor is the emperor
everyone here comes Gladiator II With their “A” game. This movie is really about Lucius. We turn, however, to Generals Acacius and Macrinus. Washington and Pascal nearly stole the movie. Their performance was outstanding, and sadly for Pascal, Washington was way ahead in the “magic” department. His gladiatorial cast of anarchists; who want to rule New Rome, is fascinating.
Quinn and Heckinger give very unhinged performances as the mentally unstable twins who rule Rome. Nelson returns as Lucilla. The character is well crafted and she shines in revisiting the world of Roman swords and sandals.
Jacobi is effectively wasted as Gracchus, he had more to do Gladiator.
Matt Lucas, a personal favorite since Little Britain, has captured the imagination as master of ceremonies. Lucas always does it. Another favorite was McInerney, who managed to make his hesitant, sycophantic senator stand out.
Mescal delivers on his promise, but he does have some pretty big shoes to fill here. Of course, he managed to make that important speech sound pretty good.
judgment
Gladiator II It’s a solid four-star movie. It works well and is fun to watch. It’s not in the same league as the first one Gladiator although. Either way it’s a good movie. I can almost smell Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning performance on the wind. The film is currently streaming on Paramount+ and MGM+. I may be late to the party, but I highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t already.
trailer
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