Originally published to 8 News Now on November 11, 2024.

The 2000 Ridley Scott classic Gladiator was a singular, self-contained story with little need for continuation. But here we are in 2024, and quarter-century-delayed sequels are all the rage. Surprisingly, though, Gladiator II manages to defy the odds, and—believe it or not—it’s actually pretty good.

If you had asked me what the film least ripe for sequelization would be, Gladiator would have been right up there with Titanic. And yet, Gladiator II exists, and it works. You may not be surprised to hear that there are few returning cast members from the original film, as many of the principal characters from the first film died in that piece. However, a few survivors are here, namely Connie Nielsen as Lucilla. The dependable actress works nicely as a bridge from the first film to the second.

The fresh slate of characters is packed with talent. Pedro Pascal steps into the role of Marcus Acacius, while Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger portray co-emperors Geta and Caracalla. But the standout performance belongs to Denzel Washington, who plays Macrinus with electrifying charisma. After three Equalizer movies, you might wonder if Washington could still surprise us, but Gladiator II proves he’s far from done. Macrinus is one of the most magnetic characters in the film, stealing every scene he’s in.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius, our protagonist. While Lucius is our window into this world, he plays his part with an air of mystery that dissolves over the film’s runtime. As the film progresses, he evolves into a more traditional, no-nonsense hero.

The film’s first two acts are a thrill—a fast-paced, brutal adventure that captures the energy of the original Gladiator. However, as the film barrels toward its finale, it stumbles. The film doesn’t quite know how to differentiate itself from the original, and its final moments feel like a missed opportunity to truly set Gladiator II apart, which might leave viewers slightly unsatisfied.

Speaking of things that miss the mark, the visual effects deserve mention. While Gladiator II boasts some stunning set pieces, certain CG elements, particularly scenes involving digital monkeys and sharks, fall into the uncanny valley. It’s easy to cast stones at the army of artists who created these effects, and I sympathize with the VFX team given apparent industry constraints. We don’t know what occurred during the filmmaking process, and the fault may lie in the process rather than the execution.

Ultimately, what Ridley Scott and his team have achieved with Gladiator II—a sequel that holds its own next to such a revered original—is impressive. It’s a violent, fast-paced epic that justifies its existence despite its flaws. Even though the film stumbles a bit at the finish line, Gladiator II is worth watching and earns its place next to its now-classic predecessor.