Monday, November 11, 2024
Gladiator II
It’s 16 years after the original “Gladiator”. The Roman army invades North Africa & Lucius (Paul Mescal) is captured & enslaved. He becomes the property & pawn of Marcrinus (Denzel Washington). Denzel flashes his distinctive smile as his character plots. A slave’s main goal is to fight well, to survive, & to become a gladiator with a chance to earn his freedom. Lucius other goal is avenge the death of his wife. The twin emperors, Geta & Caracalla, rule Rome at its peak of opulence & decadence. Pedro Pascal plays general Marcus Acacius & Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla. There are dreams of a better Rome. There are plots to seize power & change who rules Rome. There are past relationships revealed. There are some amazing & incredible arena battles scenes involving men, animals, & galleys. This is a fascinating look back into history. See what Rome may have looked like in its glory.
Alien gives it 3½ “monkey eater & prince of Rome” stars out of 4.
