Ridley Scott is a filmmaker with a career marked by both triumphs and missteps. At 86 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to release films at a steady pace. He cemented his directorial prowess early on with classics like Alien, Blade Runner, and Thelma & Louise. However, the latter half of his career has seen more ups and downs. His 2015 blockbuster The Martian marked his first major awards recognition in 15 years, and his subsequent films also garnered some awards attention. Yet, his recent output has been uneven. The Last Duel (2021) earned critical praise but struggled at the box office, while Napoleon (2023) garnered mixed reviews but surprisingly strong ticket sales. His second 2021 film, House of Gucci, was both a commercial and critical disappointment.

 

Given this, it’s understandable why skepticism surrounded the announcement of Gladiator II. Despite being a sequel to his Best Picture-winning Gladiator (2000), Scott's recent track record raised doubts about his ability to live up to the original’s legacy. However, the combination of successes and setbacks in his recent work should have reassured us of his capability. While The Last Duel excelled in drama and Napoleon delivered in action, Gladiator II—like its predecessor—masterfully combines both elements to craft a gripping drama filled with exhilarating action. This sets the stage for an unforgettable, action-packed experience just in time for the Thanksgiving season.

 

Sixteen years after the events of the first film, a young war prisoner (Paul Mescal) is sent to Rome to fight in the brutal gladiator battles. Strikingly reminiscent of the legendary gladiator Maximus (Russell Crowe), he catches the eye of a seasoned gladiator master Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who sees potential in him. Deciding to purchase and train him, the master grooms the young fighter to become the Colosseum’s fiercest and most captivating entertainer, all while Macrinus secretly navigates the dangerous political web that threatens to bring the entire empire to its knees.

 

Although Gladiator II is a sequel to the 2000 film Gladiator, it stands firmly on its own. While watching the first film may offer some context, the sequel does an excellent job of conveying essential information without relying on jarring exposition or dull info dumps. The film carefully weaves its intricate plotlines, maintaining the same level of tension in the political intrigue as in the brutal battles that punctuate the story.

 

The highlight of Gladiator II is undoubtedly the gladiator battles, and the film delivers an exciting array of them. Scott introduces a fresh and inventive collection of beasts to face off against, from monkeys and sharks to a rhino. He imagines new ways the people of ancient Rome might have indulged in the brutal spectacle of the arena, even if some moments veer into the fantastical. The action sequences dominate nearly half of the film’s runtime, and while perfectly balanced with the political drama, there's never a dull moment. The thrilling spectacle keeps the audience fully engaged, never letting its attention wander from the gripping world unfolding before them.

 

Paul Mescal steps into the role once held by Russell Crowe (who does not appear in this film) and effortlessly upholds the legacy of his predecessor. With a brief yet immensely successful career in indie films—including an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 2023—Mescal takes on his first blockbuster role here. As the lead, he proves more than capable of carrying a film of this scale, commanding attention with his charisma and magnetic screen presence.

 

His supporting cast is equally captivating. Connie Nielsen returns to reprise her role from the original film, making her the sole returning actor in the sequel. Joseph Quinn, known from Stranger Things, and Fred Hechinger, from The White Lotus, play deranged twin emperors, their madness rivaling that of Joaquin Phoenix’s psychotic Commodus—though amped up to a whole new level of instability. Their performances inject a palpable tension into the story, making the audience genuinely uneasy about the future of the Roman Empire.

 

Pedro Pascal takes on the role of a successful Roman general, and fans of his Game of Thrones performance will be thrilled to see him return to a similar, commanding role. Denzel Washington has received the most praise for his performance, with some even speculating Oscar buzz—perhaps even a win. Personally, I wasn’t as captivated by his portrayal, and though he delivers, I found him to be one of the weaker links among the supporting cast. Nonetheless, in a film of this caliber, even the most subdued performances contribute to an overall incredible experience.

 

Following Gladiator's Best Picture win, Gladiator II had some big shoes to fill. While Ridley Scott’s decision to return as director initially sparked some doubts, any concerns are quickly put to rest once you experience the film on the big screen. Gladiator II is one of the most exhilarating spectacles of the upcoming holiday season, and with its stellar cast, heart-pounding action sequences, and gripping drama, it promises to captivate anyone who ventures into the theater.