Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Gladiator IIis a funny title for a movie any movie, not just aGladiatorsequel.
This is the second one.
The Roman numerals are because these guys are Roman.
That throw in of listen, its a sequel energy pulses throughRidley Scotts latest blockbuster.
The crux ofGladiatorIIis less retread than it is literal doubling, or even tripling.
Scotts general disinterest in the why and how of all this came to be is somewhat refreshing.
Devoid of weepy backstories or extended flashbacks, he knows thatyouknow this isGladiator II.
Time for some arteries to rip open and for guys to yell at each other louder than ever before.
But theres also a lot inGladiator IIthat feels funny on purpose.
Iwant …your loyalty.
And it doesnt feel like Scotts take on ancient Rome is any lesser for leaning into its lighter side.
A spying servant disappears into the bushes like Homer Simpson.
Theres a secret passageway operated by pressing on a stone (could they do that back then?).
Gladiator II, in other words, abandons almost all pretense.
The first filmwas good because it took itself seriously whether its audience did or not.
Theybring sharks into the Colosseum!
Those cheeky highs are just delightful enough to carry the film when it does become tedious or self-serious.
Rome is burning, and youre laughing?
Well, yeah its all pretty funny, depending on who youre cheering for.
