Celina’s review published on Letterboxd:
I think I had the more rare experience of watching the first Gladiator film for the first time only a few days ago and then watching this film immediately after. I don’t have as deep of a relationship with the first as many people do, but I can completely understand why longtime fans of the first hold it in such high regard. I’ve also been in their shoes where I’ve been a big fan of something and be disappointed by any follow-up work.
However, I absolutely loved Gladiator II. I think it does follow similar beats to the first one, but I never felt that Lucius (Mescal) was an imitation of Maximus. I think Paul Mescal does an excellent job at differentiating himself from Crowe and embodies his own version of a leader. Both films are giant spectacles and the sequel continues to build upon the chaos, deception, and violence that is the Roman Empire.
Every single person in this cast gave stellar performances. Denzel obviously being at the top of his game and consistently proving he is one of the best actors we will ever have. I desperately wish that we would have seen more of Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, I think he was the most underutilized out of everyone. However, both the cast and Ridley Scott were firing on all cylinders with this film. I had a blast with it and think it is a perfect follow up to its monumental predecessor.
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