More CGI doesn't mean a better film
The second Gladiator was a long time in the making before it finally hit cinema screens. There was a lot of struggle with the script, which according to some leaks was even supposed to feature the return of Maximus, who didn't survive the original film.
Plus, director Ridley Scott is still swamped with work even at his advanced age, so it's no wonder it took so long to start filming.
In the end, however, fans of sandals and blood-splattered sand were able to see it. Gladiator II is finally out. But is there anything to celebrate? Not really.
The film itself is much more pompous than its predecessor, which wouldn't be a bad thing if almost all the local attractions weren't made up of ones and zeros. While Russell Crow butchered his rivals in a still relatively intimate fashion, the second film hits the gas hard.
Thus, we get to see various CGI animals and an epic naval battle. At times, however, the action is overstuffed and one gets a bit lost in it.
The soundtrack doesn't impress much either. While the soundtrack from the first film is one of the best film scores ever, it doesn't stand up to much in the second installment. It's quite logical, since Hans Zimmer didn't join the creators this time. So the music was composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, who didn't get too caught up.
The actors save the film a bit
The main role in the film this time is played by Paul Mescal, who plays the grown-up Lucius from the first film. In fairness, it has to be said that he is nowhere near the charisma and acting ability of Russell Crowe. On the other hand, Mescal isn't even as terrible as the previews made him seem.
Much more impressive is General Acasius, played by Pedro Pascal. He may not get as much screen time as Mescal, but when he is on screen, he certainly entertains.
Both men, however, are put in the pocket of Denzel Washington aka arms dealer Marcinus. This is helped a lot not only by the actor's undeniable talent, but also by the script, which gives him room to excel.
This makes Marcinus probably the biggest asset of the whole film
