This year’s movie adaptations have been pretty good so far. From movies about love and heartbreak to a mentally unstable DC character’s life, we have been fed good entertainment. However, two head-to-head films have been released, Gladiator 2 and Wicked, at the same time. I’m a big fan of action movies so I took a chance to view Gladiator 2 instead as I waited for two years for its release.
From men wearing “mini skirts” with helmets to the main character fighting for the sake of freedom for their people, this movie had the most intense moments I’ve experienced.
This new Gladiator film is the long awaited sequel to the infamous 2000 film starring Joaquin Phoenix as the antagonist, “Commondus,” and Russell Crowe as the protagonist, “Maximus.”
This new film is electrified with such pure intensification of vengeance within the pure heart of Ancient Rome. Keep in mind, this is after the whole death of Maximus in the first film. (Sorry if I spoiled anything) It begins with a young masculine man named Lucisu (played by Paul Mescal) leading his army with determination against the incoming Roman Army. However he gets knocked out and finds himself to be incarcerated within the walls of the Colosseum. This is where battles between Gladiators happen, after the tyrannical rulers get a dominant grip on his (Lucius) homeland. Then, you get introduced to General Acacius (played by Pedro Pascal, aka my favorite). He is the mastermind behind this whole army overtaking, being accountable for the mob of legionaries intruding the towns. With just pure aggravating hate towards the people accountable for this delinquency action, Lucius begins to surprise his peers around him with his impressive Gladiator skills in the Colosseum.
Yet this whole time, he is constantly being forced to battle within a crowd of two violent hungry malicious emperors, Geta and Caracalla after impressing them in one particular battle. (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechigner, when I mean evil I mean EVIL) I know it sounds so complicated but really it’s just a whole Telenovela but made in the Ancient Rome era. I personally found this film to be very entertaining and so well scripted. Not just because of Pedro Pascal’s appearance, the whole film was so intriguing.
However, the moment in which General Acacius walked into the picture, it was over for everyone. Being a fan of Pedro’s, I was in awe by the way they presented him as a strong figure. His well rounded character just made the film ten times more interesting (from what I thought) Ok enough talking about him.
Can I just talk about how intense I would get every time I saw Joseph Quinn’s character? I’ve seen many films where he’s involved but his character here was so eerie. The clothing choice and makeup enhanced the whole “intense evil” vibe of a corrupt emperor. He really captured the character’s pure dark soul as his eyes and body language flashed evil.
Now with the main character, Lucius played by Paul Mescal. Absolutely embodied the aura men in the Roman Empire were supposed to embody. He is definitely the partner one would want if they were to live in the Roman Era (I see yall judging, STOP). He can fight, he can defend women, and he’s handsome. What more do you want!? Yet, why I truly loved his character was mostly for how he was determined to gain the goal he set for himself which I think we all should follow (Except don’t go doing all the crazy stuff he did). And did I mention he knows poetry?!? When he started to recite poetry I was like, okkkk sirr! I see you literature king. That just makes him 100% better.
Additionally, the movie really reinforces the correct qualities of the aesthetic, as the smallest details in the set were absolutely mesmerizing. I’m not sure many saw this detail but I noticed in one of the scenes a large statue of General Acacius and let me tell you the details were amazing. Especially the quality of it, they took down all the factors of Pedro. From his slightly almond shaped eyes to his furrowed eyebrows, you can see the effort they put to make such a dedicated prop. From the buildings to the complicated costumes each character had to use, it was all a chief’s kiss.
Overall, I really enjoyed this movie especially since I’ve been waiting since the announcement of it. Ever since watching it, I’ve been doing the thumb thing the emperors do in the movie and let’s just say my mom and sister are over it. Anywho, if you want to fangirl over the Roman Empire just like me or just want to feel intense for a few hours, then this film is for you. I definitely recommend 10/10 go watch it now!
