August Keller’s review published on Letterboxd:
Gladiator II is a spectacle with weak substance. Its motivated characters and explicit themes are underdeveloped. The protagonist feels generic amidst formulaic drama. Political maneuvering is emphasized by its plot-heavy story. However, that complex quality becomes simplistic because weight is rarely earned. Plus, the tight connections to its predecessor make it a contrived retread. Still, all the essential script pieces are present. Its acting provides committed operatics. Though plain, Mescal is physical and vulnerable. Meanwhile, Washington carries the film through his flamboyant personality. Besides its flawed relatability, Gladiator II has passable narrative foundations.
Technically, Gladiator II delivers an accessible epic. Scenic lighting elevates the cinematography. Despite rushed drama, its editing maintains reliable structure. Along with emotionally based distortions, the sound supplies large-scale genre elements. Although nothing new is memorable, its music captures the atmosphere and works in the original score. A grand sense of worldbuilding is created by the production design. The cast is an exceptional blend of legendary prestige, rising fame, and franchise returners. Its effects sometimes depend too much on CGI, but they are abundant and frequently practical. Not what we hoped yet better than feared, Gladiator II is respectable.
* Writing: 5/10
* Direction: 7/10
* Cinematography: 7/10
* Acting: 8/10
* Editing: 7/10
* Sound: 10/10
* Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
* Production Design: 10/10
* Casting: 9/10
* Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.9/10
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