Noel and Thomas Manning sharpen their swords and dust off their sandals to tackle Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s long-awaited return to the coliseum! This legacy sequel from Paramount Pictures features an all-star cast, including Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Barry Keoghan, as it attempts to recapture the epic grandeur of the original Gladiator (2000), a film that roared to life with multiple Oscar wins.
L-R: Paul Mescal as Lucius and Peter Mensah as Jugurtha in GLADIATOR II from Paramount Pictures. ©2024 Paramount Pictures. All Right Reserved.
The father-son duo compares this new arena of action and drama to the original masterpiece, asking the ultimate question: Can Gladiator II conquer the hearts of audiences and stand victorious in the sands of cinematic history? As registered film journalists and seasoned gladiators of the review world, Noel and Thomas deliver sharp insights and entertaining commentary.
Clips are used by permission for review and commentary purposes. This review originally aired on Meet Me at the Movies on C19 TV. Meet Me at the Movies airs weekly, and the Mannings also host Screen Scene on NPR affiliate WNCW.
Official 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.
In theaters November 22nd, 2024.
For more information, head to the Paramount Pictures Gladiator II website.
Noel T. Manning is a member of the CCA, SEFCA and the NCFCA and also hosts Meet Me at the Movies and Screen Scene. He’s the founder of the Real to Reel Film Fest and has served over 20 years as an adjunct professor of film studies. When he’s not embracing mainstream, indie, international, documentary or art films, he’s exploring the world of visual arts and entertainment by chatting with those in front of and behind the cameras.
Meet Me at the Movies airs on C19.TV and WGWG radio. Screen Scene airs on NPR affiliate WNCW. Find Noel T. Manning II via Facebook, Twitter, Instagr
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Categories: In Theaters, Meet Me at the Movies, Publications, Reviews, Television
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