Gladiator II: Electric Boogaloo

But, why? Fans of 2000 film will remember that both the primary protagonist and antagonist die in Gladiator. Usually everyone being dead is a pretty good reason not to have a sequel. Not only that, but Maximus Decimus Meridius' entire quest to avenge the death of his family and remove control of Rome from the hands of a corrupt emperor succeeds in every way imaginable. The self-contained story is complete. So why, more than two decades later, are we getting a sequel?

With only minor changes that allow for a Roman invasion to kick things off and an even more ridiculous ending, Gladiator II is the same move retold again. This time around our warrior turned slave turned gladiator is Hanno (Paul Mescal) whose home and family are slaughtered in the opening siege. Taken to Rome, Hanno is noticed by a gladiator expert (Denzel Washington) who, let's face it, doesn't do all that much to improve Hanno's fighting but does play politics in helping out his own purse and position.

Because one crazed tyrant emperor wasn't enough, this time around we're given two (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger), best described as swishy and crazy (really? this was the best you could do screenwriter David Scarpa?), whose love and use of the games allows them to keep the mobs and bay and kill their enemies. 

The only character of note returning from the first film is Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) now married to a Roman general (Pedro Pascal) who, of course, will be the focus of Hanno's rage. She is still scheming with politicians for the good of Rome, and this new gladiator will catch her interest in a twist I'm willing to bet more than half the audience will see coming which provides the only, rather weak, argument for the film's existence.

Gladiator II is bigger and dumber than Gladiator. It's not a bad film per se, but it's largely pointless given that all of this ground was already covered, more effectively, in the original. Mescal is adequate in the role but he lacks the cinematic presence Russell Crowe brought to Gladiator. The effects are well done as are the costumes, set pieces, and the like. However, the story is a weak reworking of the original only allowing for bigger set pieces (such as the siege) and an even more absurd ending. And, it sounds like director Ridley Scott is intent on continuing the story with Gladiator III in development. Hopefully Rome will fall before things get much worse.

Watch the trailer

• Title: Gladiator II
• IMDb: link