At The Movies: Denzel Washington steals the show in epic sequel Gladiator II

Gladiator II (M18)

148 minutes, opens on Nov 14
★★★☆☆

The story: Set 16 years after Roman general-turned-gladiator Maximus (Russell Crowe) died a hero in the Colosseum in Gladiator (2000), the sequel focuses on Maximus’ son Lucius (Paul Mescal). Sent away from Rome by his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) for protection, Lucius has lived anonymously in a small African city. But when Roman general Acacius (Pedro Pascal) lays siege to his adopted home, Lucius is captured and sold to Macrinus (Denzel Washington), the master of gladiators. Lucius’ homecoming is by way of the Colosseum as a gladiator.

Gladiator wowed moviegoers when it was released 24 years ago and turned Crowe into a bona fide Hollywood A-lister. The sword-and-sandal historical epic went on to win five Oscars, including Best Actor for Crowe and Best Picture.

Film-maker Ridley Scott, again in the director’s chair for Gladiator II, still knows how to deliver blockbuster entertainment.

The opening sea-and-land battle scene sets the tone for the dramatic 148-minute film. It only gets more massive as the story makes its way to the capital of Rome.

The gargantuan Colosseum, where most of the scenes take place, is indeed spectacular. Scott goes over the top by throwing killer baboons and armoured rhinos into the arena.

The most absurd has to be the flooding of the pit, turning the sandy floor into shark-infested waters for a nautical battle between gladiators and Roman soldiers.

Taking these theatrics out of the equation, Gladiator II’s story is a straightforward revenge plot. Lucius wants Acacius’ head after the latter’s troops killed Lucius’ wife, and Macrinus is more than happy to accede to his champion’s request.

Rising Irish actor Mescal is formidable as Lucius. There is much charisma underneath all the rage, and his brooding presence emphasises the maternal loss he suffered as a child.

His foil is Washington, who puts in sterling work as the manipulative Macrinus. He relishes his flamboyant character, one draped in fine garb and decked out in gold jewellery yet holding his intentions close to his chest.

The double Academy Award winner chews up every scene and steals the show with each conniving smile or sly twinkle in his eye. The American actor deserves another Oscar nomination for this performance.

Pascal is predictably reliable, while Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are serviceable as the diabolical emperor-brothers Geta and Caracalla respectively.

Gladiator II has a lot to live up to and, in some ways, it does. But one may miss the gravitas, heart and Hans Zimmer’s stirring score of the original.

Hot take: There are several deja vu moments, but Gladiator II is entertaining enough to make it an adequate successor.