This is a sequel that still leaves moments to conquer. Through the eyes of director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II carries the weight of the Colosseum at its peak but finds itself ready to topple over. It is a continuation of events from the first film in the franchise. It has a settled approach that keeps a historic vibe of emperors and kingdoms at large. The conflict, however, is that it’s mostly about the warfare and violence than the plot. With an all-star cast, the heightened games go full throttle in Gladiator II.

The new opponent who steps foot in the Colosseum is Lucius (played by Paul Mescal). He comes from Rome and is makinghis footsteps towards redemption. Lucille (played by Connie Nielsen) is back after the devastating events of Maximus (played by Russell Crowe) in the first film. Lucius may be the one who stands under what Maximus has achieved before. Is Lucius destined for the games? In an era where tyranny is in the depths of Rome, the battles in Gladiator II have an eerie awakening. As expected, Scott knows how to label characters and establish their authority.

The Master of the Gladiators is Macrinus (played by Denzel Washington). Washington’s performance as one ruthless emperor with a pontificating nature aids the film’s consistencyin keeping the battles coming. The king out for positive glory on behalf of the greater people is Marcus Acacius (played by Pedro Pascal). Between these two hierarchies, the battles are what makes sense in finding who stands tallest in Gladiator II. With all the civilization and prophecy themes, Gladiator II cares more about the suspense in the Colosseum than finding a sophisticated the plot.  Therefore, the historical aspect in this film is lacking.

With Mescal playing the hero out for glory, he is a positive addition to this sequel. His character has a heartfelt and consistent attitude as well as kind-hearted spirit dedicated to a better purpose. Even though the context lacks during most of the movie, he still manages to provide some enjoyable parts. WithWashington promoting the ruthless matches, the characterizations of heroism for both the good and the bad tumble ferociously in Gladiator II.

Most of the characters outside of Mescal and Washington do not fit in this film. The two emperors who play brothers, Emperor Greta (played by Joseph Quinn) and Emperor Caracalla (played by Fred Hechinger), cause the film to suffer. They are the most overrated emperors in a film by Scott. Their characters kill the film’s chances of being taken seriously. Gladiator II seems to care more about creating Hollywood buzz than creating a historic vibe. This is disappointing for a film by Scott, especially a sequel. He does well in the beginning, but then the pattern shifts and the writing before and after the matches hits frequent roadblocks. The battles are the best part of the movie, but not enough to make up for the other parts. Two out of four stars for Gladiator II.