The Mofo Chronicles

Interview: Will Downing

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Y’all, let me just start by saying that Gladiator II brought the drama, the battles, and the vibes—BUT did it bring the soul? Eh, that’s up for debate. I must confess--I haven't seen the original one. Don't judge me!

This long-awaited sequel dives right back into the gritty world of Roman gladiators, picking up decades after Maximus’s sacrifice. Director Ridley Scott does what he does best—painting a visually stunning picture of the ancient world. The cinematography is pure chef’s kiss. You feel every grain of sand, every drop of sweat, and every swing of a sword. And the fight scenes? BABY! They had me on the edge of my seat.

Here's a synopsis:

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Let me just say this upfront: Gladiator II doesn’t shy away from showing the dangers of unchecked power, and if the tyrannical rulers of Rome didn’t give you flashbacks to modern politics, were you even paying attention? Watching the Emperors spread lies, pit people against each other, and manipulate power for personal gain reminded me of a certain someone (you know who). The way they clung to control despite clearly being unfit to lead? It was giving that Orange Man administration energy--BIGLY.

Now back to the program:

Chile , Gladiator II came in swinging, but let me tell you who stole the ENTIRE show—Denzel Washington. Whew! That man has been fine for decades, and he came through looking like royalty in this film. The gravitas, the presence, the swag—it was giving Training Day but with swords and armor. Every time Denzel hit the screen, it felt like the energy shifted. He wasn’t just acting; he was commanding. His role as a seasoned warrior-turned-strategist brought the intensity you’d expect, but also a subtle vulnerability that reminded me why he’s one of the GOATs. To this day, he is one of the ones I want to interview even if we just cackle over some Dad jokes.

Paul Mescal, playing Lucius, holds his own as the lead, but let’s be real: it’s hard to follow in Maximus’s footsteps. That said, Pedro Pascal was out here cutting up and stealing scenes with his sly, cunning character.

And can we circle back to Denzel real quick? Because the way he was giving wisdom and attitude mixed with a hint of mystery had me flashing back to Alonzo Harris in Training Day. That same charisma, that same “don’t mess with me” Mt. Vernon energy.

Now those twin emperors tore my last nerve up with their powder makeup and weirdo energy. Visually, the film was stunning—the Colosseum battles were gritty, visceral, and kept me on edge. Ok, they were flat out bloody and scary to the point the young lady beside me had her eyes covered most of the film.

Connie Nielson reprised her role as Lucilla, and she is gorgeous. I love that this film connected some of the dots from the first one (thanks to my friend for pointing that out)!

Ultimately the film is about righting the wrongs of the power hungry and restoring power back to where it should be and healing and freedom. Again, I could add in our own current political climate, but I've decided to sit back like Miss Celie and wait to see what color the wall turns.

This film was also about the power of family legacy and how it's chain aka the country got it snatched by a bunch of idiots. Naming unfit people to be in cabinets and, well that's another story.

This sequel makes me want to go watch the first one, although on my couch won't have the same power as an IMAX theater.

Gladiator II hits theaters exclusively on November 22, 2024, available in Dolby Cinema, Premium Large Formats, and IMAX.

Let me know if you plan to go see it and what you think after you check it out!