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Gladiator 2: The Next Chapter
We've been waiting years for this - the highly anticipated sequel to Gladiator is finally hitting theaters in 2024. Get ready for non-stop action, drama, and intense scenes that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, just like the original.
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Ridley Scott's Costume Drama Factory: A Quarter Century of Underwhelming Sequels
summarizeEditor's Summary
Ridley Scott's filmography has taken a hit in recent years, with a string of underwhelming sequels that fail to live up to his earlier successes. The director's focus on historical costume dramas has led to a series of money-losing films that leave audiences underwhelmed. Despite his past achievements, Scott's recent output has been a total letdown. With films like 'The Last Duel' and 'Napoleon' struggling to find an audience, it's clear that Scott's factory is churning out more losses than hits. Here's a closer look at the director's portfolio and why his sequels just don't cut it. From the convoluted storylines to the predictable scripts, it's time to reevaluate Scott's direction. His films often feel like a chore to watch, with pacing that's slow and endings that are unsatisfying. The historical inaccuracies in his films can be jarring, taking viewers out of the moment and disrupting the flow of the story. The lack of diversity in Scott's films is also notable, with few characters of color or women in leading roles. While Scott's films may have been entertaining in the past, it's clear that his recent output has been a disappointment. With a string of underwhelming sequels, it's time to wonder if Scott's best days are behind him.
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I've got a feeling that old Ridley Scott, who's now 87 years young, has set up a little factory for his aunt to make costumes and is cashing in on it by producing unnecessary, money-losing films.
Take a closer look at the director's portfolio, and this joke won't seem so funny anymore. Meanwhile, his requests keep growing. In 2021, he released the costume drama 'The Last Duel' for $100 million, in 2023, he released the costume drama 'Napoleon' for $200 million, and now he's working on the costume drama 'Gladiator 2' for a whopping $250 million.
Five years straight, this factory has been churning out an endless number of historical costumes that only bring losses to the film companies.
"Get 'em all in skirts!"I'm not disputing the fact that Ridley Scott once made a few stunning films, but now it seems he's shifted his focus to sewing skirts and undies for the entire acting cast (I'm reminded of the phrase 'Give the rabbit a skirt!'). Because it's hard to call what he's making now serious cinema. And if anyone starts questioning it, he'll just give us his signature response: "Were you there? Then shut up!".
Watching 'Gladiator 2' left me speechless - I couldn't believe it was Ridley Scott who directed the first 'Gladiator' back in 2000. Because these two films are practically identical in every aspect.
Let's start, as usual, with the script. Here's how our Kinopoisk describes the plot:
200 AD. The Roman Empire's army, led by General Marcus Aurelius, is laying siege to Numidia - the last free state in North Africa. In the battle with the invaders, warrior Hannibal's wife, a skilled archer, is killed, and he himself is taken prisoner. Along with other captives, he's being prepared for sale into slavery, but thanks to his physical endurance and combat skills, he catches the eye of the organizer of gladiatorial battles, Marcus. As a result, Hannibal becomes a gladiator, driven by a desire for revenge against the Roman general. Marcus promises Hannibal a meeting with his sworn enemy if he puts on a show-stopping performance in the Colosseum arena.
Did it take nearly a quarter of a century to rewrite the script from the TV series 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand' (2010-2013)? And even with that script, the writers still couldn't get it right.
I was expecting a lot more creativity from the screenwriters, but it seems like they played it safe. If we're doing a sequel to Gladiator, we should at least double down on the action. Instead of one general-turned-gladiator, we get two. Russell Crowe nailed the role of the wise general who becomes a gladiator in the first film, but in the sequel, we get Pedro Pascal as the wise general and Paul Mescal as the gladiator. It's like one character, but with two different actors. That's a bit of a letdown.
"This is just a side gig! I'm basically a mushroom savior!"And instead of one tyrannical emperor, we get two. Joaquin Phoenix was fantastic in the first film, but in the sequel, we get two emperors - one from Stranger Things and the other from The White Lotus. The duo is a bit questionable, but at least they're making an effort.
The number of animals in the arena has also been more than doubled. If the first film only had tigers, the sequel has wild monkeys and rhinos. And that's not even the worst part. Let's add some sharks to the Colosseum! What sharks, exactly? I wasn't there. Just stop drawing sharks in the Colosseum already.
The Common Shark of RomeUltimately, the whole film feels like a bloodbath of animal cruelty. Oh, look, the gladiator just bit the monkey. What a tough guy, right?
"Are you a dentist?"Although, I have to say, Paul Mescal is a bit of a stretch as a macho gladiator. The whole film tries to make him look tough and strong, but when he's riding a horse at the end, the magic of the movie wears off, and you can see just how scrawny he looks for a gladiator. Even 70-year-old Denzel Washington looks more solid on a horse.
Honestly, besides the advanced computer graphics that allowed us to see Rome in much greater detail than the first film, the real star of the show was that old African American actor. He completely outshone everyone else in the movie. And honestly, his acting skills are on a whole different level from anything else on screen.
The Great Equalizer from Ancient TimesThe visual side of things is definitely a treat. I mean, it's been a quarter century since computer tech has come a long way and even gotten cheaper. Although, the budget for the second part was still 2.5 times more than the first film.
Fans of the original film are unlikely to appreciate this sequel. I mean, it's more like a continuation of 'Jumanji' - wild monkeys, rhinos - it was even in the first 'Jumanji'.
"Just stand there and swing your rhino horn"
'Gladiator 2' is worth watching for Denzel Washington's acting talent and the visual special effects. And preferably, don't overthink what's happening. I mean, you're not there, are you? No, you're not. So, just let the great creator do their thing and make some pants and shorts.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's behind Ridley Scott's recent string of underwhelming sequels?
Ridley Scott's focus on historical costume dramas has led to a series of money-losing films that leave audiences underwhelmed. His recent films, such as 'The Last Duel' and 'Napoleon', have struggled to find an audience and have received mixed reviews from critics.
Are Ridley Scott's films still worth watching?
While Ridley Scott's recent films may not live up to his earlier standards, they still offer something unique and thought-provoking. His films often feature complex themes and impressive cinematography, making them worth watching for fans of the director.
What's the deal with Ridley Scott's factory?
Ridley Scott's 'factory' refers to his production company, which has churned out a string of films in recent years. While the company has produced some successful films, it's clear that Scott's recent output has been a total letdown.
Why did Ridley Scott shift his focus to historical costume dramas?
Ridley Scott's focus on historical costume dramas is likely driven by his desire to explore complex themes and historical settings. However, his recent films have struggled to find an audience and have received mixed reviews from critics.
What's the budget for Ridley Scott's upcoming film 'Gladiator 2'?
The budget for Ridley Scott's upcoming film 'Gladiator 2' has been reported to be a whopping $250 million, making it one of the most expensive films of all time.
Has Ridley Scott's recent output affected his reputation as a director?
Yes, Ridley Scott's recent output has affected his reputation as a director. His string of underwhelming sequels has left audiences and critics underwhelmed, and has raised questions about his ability to produce high-quality films.
What's the deal with the phrase 'Give the rabbit a skirt'?
The phrase 'Give the rabbit a skirt' is a reference to the phrase 'Give the dog a bone', and is used to describe Ridley Scott's recent focus on historical costume dramas. The phrase is meant to be humorous and lighthearted, but also highlights the director's shift in focus.
Can Ridley Scott still produce high-quality films?
While Ridley Scott's recent output has been a total letdown, it's clear that he still has the ability to produce high-quality films. His earlier successes, such as 'Alien' and 'Blade Runner', are still widely regarded as classics, and demonstrate his skill and craftsmanship as a director.
check_circlePros
- •Denzel Washington's performance in 'The Last Duel' is a highlight of the film, showcasing his incredible range and depth as an actor.
- •The special effects in 'Napoleon' are visually stunning, with impressive battle scenes and detailed historical settings.
- •Ridley Scott's direction is still evident in his recent films, even if they don't quite live up to his earlier standards.
- •The historical settings in Scott's films are meticulous and detailed, transporting viewers to another time and place.
- •The cinematography in Scott's films is often breathtaking, with sweeping shots and dramatic lighting.
- •Scott's films often feature complex, thought-provoking themes that leave audiences talking long after the credits roll.
- •The production values in Scott's films are often high, with impressive costumes and sets.
- •Scott's films often have a strong sense of scope and ambition, even if they don't quite deliver.
cancelCons
- •The storylines in Scott's recent films are often convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult for viewers to become invested.
- •The pacing in Scott's films can be slow, dragging on for what feels like an eternity.
- •The scripts in Scott's films often feel formulaic and predictable, lacking the originality and creativity of his earlier work.
- •The endings in Scott's films are often unsatisfying, leaving viewers feeling frustrated and disappointed.
- •The historical inaccuracies in Scott's films can be jarring, taking viewers out of the moment and disrupting the flow of the story.
- •The lack of diversity in Scott's films is notable, with few characters of color or women in leading roles.
- •The films often feel like a chore to watch, with too much repetition and not enough surprises.
- •The films often rely too heavily on nostalgia, rather than trying to innovate and push the boundaries of the genre.
