There isn't a single reason for Gladiator II to exist. The original film - nearly a quarter-century old at this point - was self-contained, an epic story that won five Oscars including Best Picture. But as with any project in this IP-obsessed era of Hollywood, there are plenty of ways to make it a worthy endeavor. This belated sequel brings back Ridley Scott to the director's chair, as well as actors Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi. But the often dazzling, tactile spectacle of the original is replaced by CGI. And its revenge/redemption story sometimes takes a backseat to political intrigue.
So what makes it worth seeing? The biggest reason is Denzel Washington. While readily acknowledged as one of the greatest living actors, this supporting turn gives him an opportunity to play a true villain for (arguably) the first time since his Oscar-winning performance in Training Day. Here he squirms his way into Roman high society with money and illicit favors instead of brute force. For that, he buys and trains Lucius (Paul Mescal) as his "instrument," shaping him into a brutal gladiator. Lucius is fueled by his hatred of the empire, and specifically General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal).
Mescal has been tapped as the "next big thing" for the last few years, and he's turned in sensitive, low-key work in All of Us Strangers and Aftersun. He certainly has the physicality to play a warrior. But he doesn't have the temperament to play one consumed by rage. He also lacks the gravitas and charisma of Russell Crowe, the undeniable hero in the original. You believed it when Maximus inspired the soldiers under his command or the slaves he fought alongside. While Lucius draws on Maximus's legend, Mescal fails to reach the same level.
Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn acquit themselves just fine as the eyeliner-wearing, STD-infested emperors. But they never make these twins into anything like real characters. Even at his most odious, you could understand the motivations that drove Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). These brothers just sneer and cheer. But Pascal is done the greatest disservice. He's one of our most charming actors, on and offscreen. But here he's wasted as a military genius/would-be coup leader. He's positioned as the bad guy for much of the film, but is neither intimidating enough to be the villain nor inspiring enough to be the hero.
If all that sounds harsh for a movie I'm sort-of recommending, you should know that Washington really is that extraordinary. He keeps the movie humming along, and provides both its lightest and darkest moments. The costumes and production design are top-notch. And yes, some of the battles are dope. It's just a sequel fighting for two-and-a-half hours to justify its existence.
Gladiator II doesn't tarnish its predecessor's legacy. But it doesn't honor and build on it either.
