Gladiator II, Gladiator 2

Gladiator II poster

We a can all remember watching the first gladiator and how the film grabs you from the first foggy morning battle scene that sets the pace with its fast and brutal action it’s an assault on its audience, the film goes on to earn admiration for its protagonist with the loss of his family there’s nothing left but to fight and we get behind Maximus every time and live his pain and struggle. 

Gladiator 2 is a really poor imitation Russel Crowe was at his peak making Gladiator and could play the Hero and convince you he was unstoppable, so when you try to replace him it’s a hard sell. Like driving a Volvo after being in a Ferrari it’s going to get you there but the journey won’t be the same. Oliver Reed could convince you that he was a great champion who’s better days were in the past and he’d developed a taste for drink and excess but it wasn’t really acting it was the truth, Denzel Washington tries to drag this film along but it’s not easy, like a salad with no dressing or fish n’ chips with out Salt and vinegar you can get through it but there’s something missing and you crave for the extra. 

Avoid the sequel and just re watch the original it’s better written, directed and ticks every box.