BY GIO MARTINEZ
Special to Tejano Tribune
More than two decades after the first Gladiator movie, director Ridley Scott returns with a continuation of the blood and sand arena story. And for the most part, Scott, known for the “Alien” and “Blade Runner” films, delivers with this historical epic.
Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II
Here’s the plot: Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius finds himself having to return to the Colosseum with a pair of powerful Roman emperors having conquered his home. With no little amount of hyperbole, Lucius enters this politically charged environment with what the studio calls “rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake.”
Gladiator II is full of great battles and highly charged action sequences that easily gets your attention. Sequels often suffer under the burden of matching the original and although this one has what some reviewers consider “mistakes,” such as not having an iconic scene like its predecessor, and lacking the depth of the original, overall, you can plan to spend a couple of hours enjoyment in the theater of your choice. This one demands to be seen on the Big Screen!
What I think makes this movie entertaining are its action scenes that are so creative. At the same time a scene that stands out easily would be when they fill the Coliseum with water, known as a naumachia, including several surprising challenges for the combatants --- for me a very entertaining scene.
Although it makes little sense and is perhaps a stretch historically who cares? The first “Gladiator” already altered reality. The purpose of any movie is to entertain and this one fulfills that requirement well. Irish actor Paul Mescal serves as the primary protagonist and his performance is incredible.
As Variety magazine describes him, he is indeed a “pensive avenger.” Denzel Washington is a serviceable villain, despite his American accent being a bit of a distraction. As expected he suffers a comeuppance always desired by audiences.
But without a doubt, Pedro Pascal as second lead to Mescal every time he appears on the screen, easily steals all the attention, with his well-known charisma and the good performance he gives.
It is well worth watching these two actors in the same movie. If you are looking for something entertaining to watch this weekend or on Thanksgiving Day, this is a good option full of action, adventure, revenge, and an amazing visual recreation of ancient Rome … something worth seeing on the big screens of your local movie theater.
I give this return to strength and honor 4 out of 5 stars.
Comments