If you thought the Colosseum sands could soak up blood, wait until you see them covered in water.
But calm waters, these are not.
Its a bloody good payoff, too, after waiting decades for Scotts long-delayed return to Ancient Rome.
At a glance, the film seems a simple tale.
Ad content continues below
Yet conquered they are in a siege battle along their citys sea walls.
Geta, conversely, is a ceaseless expansionist.
All of that palace intrigue, however, is a mystery to the newly enslaved Lucius.
But theres a reason producer Spielberg correctly assessed that first film to be an opera 25 years ago.
Even if he must become the one slave with the audacity to stand against an emperor.
That epic intimacy is often copied inGladiator IIbut never duplicated.
Its big, loud, and histrionic, but is more successful at making you smile than weep.
Yet what the film lacks in depth it more than compensates with in eye candy.
Its a muscular performance, literally and spiritually, although it isnt allowed the dimensionality of Crowes Maximus.
Not that it needs to when so much ofGladiator IIis dominated by a monumental Denzel Washington star-turn.
His smile alone could burn the city to cinders.
It seems unlikelyGladiator IIwill achieve the instant iconography, or Oscar love, of its predecessor.
Like the first Caesar, Scott can say, Veni, vidi, vici.
Rating:
4 out of 5
