Gladiator 2 “Review”

When a mystery movie presents itself to you, purchase that ticket. It may very well treat you to a delightful surprise. Having just watched Gladiator for the first time in preparation for the sequel. I’m very excited that this review will arrive earlier than expected!

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I wont draw this out over the next 2 hours and 18ish minutes so lets get to the point. – Did you enjoy Gladiator? – Then you’ll enjoy the sequel. Did you enjoy the characters and want to see more from Lucius & Lucilla in a sequel? Then you’ll love Gladiator 2.

Did you have any issues with Gladiator? Was it too long? Did the battles? Does the content matter? Anything? Then Gladiator 2 is going to be a hard sell, as the sequel literally takes the first movie and expands on it on a much grander scale.

Until the last third, Gladiator 2 would top Dune 2 from my top 10 list. However, without getting into spoilers, I’ll leave it as Gladiator 2 is a great movie that you’ll probably find yourself watching again, but it falls short of being as good as its predecessor.

Giving Gladiator 2 an 8/10 Popped review score. Does a good job of being a sequel while also providing enough information for those new to the franchise to follow along and work things out. It may even intrigue those new to go back and watch the first movie to piece connections together.

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Still interested in hearing more? Then let’s dive in a little more without going into spoiler territory.

Gladiator 2 sets up the story giving a brief recap to the original and then setting the stage 16 years later as an incredible siege battle commences sea vs fortress. Those who may have seen an extended cut of the film may fondly remember this as it was used in marketing the movie.

As mentioned above, the settings and scope of the movie are expanded upon from the first movie. Similar story points while offering a grander experience in a modern cinematography era. Visually this feature is breathtaking. The actors do a great job and love the dynamic between the two new emperors.

Music harkened back to the original score while adding new elements to enhance what was before. Loved the overall direction of the story despite some shortcomings in the third act that left some development jarring.

I felt the original was better-paced than the sequel. However when the feeling of slowness came to mind the momentum picked right up engaging me and capturing the moment once more.

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That’s enough without going into spoilers and I’d much rather you go out and experience this feature.

Watched the original or not, I’d love to hear if you’re going out this weekend to watch Gladiator 2. Maybe you’ll watch the original after/before also.

It kind of works the reversed way of how Mad Max and Furiosa worked in a tangent of one another. Knowing what’s to come the feeling of watching Furiosa into Mad Max is fantastic.

I feel like Gladiator 2 can work that way with knowing that such a great foundation was laid before it could be experienced and gone back to live those moments that lay the seeds to grow into.

Thank you for coming to Popped for your movie “Review” of Gladiator 2. Come back Thursday for your dose of Wicked Part 1 as we roll into the Wickiator weekend. Is this the new Barbenheimer?