When Gladiator 2 was announced, I wasn’t sure how to feel. The original Gladiator is a classic—how do you even follow up after that? After watching the sequel, I can say it’s not a perfect movie, but it definitely has some great moments that make it worth seeing.

The story picks up years after Maximus’s death and focuses on Lucius, the boy from the first movie who’s all grown up now. Paul Mescal is featured in the movie, and he does a good job playing Lucius. He’s not Maximus, but he doesn’t try to be. His character feels connected to the original movie, but also entirely different, which works great for the story. Lucius’s struggle with his place in Rome and his own personal demons makes for an engaging plot, even if it doesn’t have the same epic feel as the first movie.

The action, of course, is the best part of Gladiator 2. Ridley Scott knows how to make battles look real and incredible. Some of the scenes in the Colosseum were very cinematic. The fights are intense and brutal, but they don’t overdo it. The movie also does a great job capturing the raw, gritty atmosphere of ancient Rome, just like the original did.

That being said, the pacing is a bit uneven. Some parts of the movie feel too slow, and a few of the side characters don’t get enough development to make you care about them. The movie also leans pretty hard on nostalgia, with some moments that feel like they’re trying too hard to remind you of how great the first Gladiator was.

Visually the movie is stunning. The sets, costumes, and overall look of the film is great. It’s clear a lot of effort went into making the world feel authentic, and it pays off.

Overall, Gladiator 2 isn’t going to replace the original as an all-time great, but it’s still a solid sequel that respects what came before while it tells its own story. If you’re a fan of the first movie or just like epic historical dramas, it’s worth checking out.

Rating: 7/10