Gladiator 2 (2024) | REVIEW

Denzel Washington as Macrinus in Sir Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR 2 — PHOTO: Paramount Pictures (Still image from trailers).

Directed by Sir Ridley Scott (The Last Duel; Alien) — Screenplay by David Scarpa (All the Money in the World).

Set around fifteen or sixteen years after the events of the original film, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 follows Lucius Verus (played by Paul Mescal) who has built a new life for himself in Northern Africa, where he goes by the name ‘Hanno.’ When his new home is invaded by the Roman Army, led by General Acacius (played by Pedro Pascal), his wife is killed, he is taken as a slave, and is later acquired as a gladiator. He is forced to return to the capital region of the Roman Empire, which he was once a prince of but now holds hatred for. Lucius’ services as a gladiator are bought by the ambitious Macrinus (played by Denzel Washington), who aspires to control all of Rome, and Macrinus promises Lucius that, if they work together, he will work towards giving Lucius the opportunity to fight and take down General Acacius, who Lucius blames for the death of his wife. Unbeknownst to Lucius, however, General Acacius is married to Lucius’ mother, Lucilla (still played by Connie Nielsen), and he, in fact, has secret plans to start a revolution, restore power to the Senate, and remove the dangerous co-emperors of Rome, Geta (played by Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (played by Fred Hechinger).

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‘Napoleon,’ ‘Beyond Utopia,’ and More | Bite-Sized Reviews

(Clockwise L-R) MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME (Roadshow Film Distributors), BEYOND UTOPIA (Roadside Attractions / Fathom Events), NAPOLEON (Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures Releasing), TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL (Magnet Releasing), and SHALLOW GRAVE (Rank Film Distributors).

In this edition of Additional Bite-Sized Reviews, I give you my thoughts on 1) Mel Gibson’s final appearance as Mad Max, 2) one of last year’s best documentaries, 3) last year’s much-discussed historical epic from Ridley Scott, 4) Danny Boyle’s directorial debut, and 5) a horror comedy cult classic.

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REVIEW: The Last Duel (2021)

Jodie Comer as Marguerite in Ridley Scott’s THE LAST DUEL — PHOTO: 20th Century Studios.

Directed by Ridley Scott — Screenplay by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck & Matt Damon.

Based on the Eric Jager non-fiction book of the same name, The Last Duel tells the true story of one of the last judicial duels in France in 1386, when Jacques Le Gris (played by Adam Driver) and Sir Jean de Carrouges (played by Matt Damon) went head-to-head in a trial by combat to decide whether or not Le Gris was guilty of raping de Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite (played by Jodie Comer). However, all three of their lives were on the line. Because their rules stated that if her husband were to lose the duel (and his life in the process), then the courts would regard Marguerite as a false accuser and sentence her to death as a result of his loss.

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If You Like HBO’s WESTWORLD, Then Watch These Films

This month’s recommendation post is going to go a bit differently than the last one. You see, these recommendations aren’t based on a new film release, but rather on the second season of a hit HBO show, which comes to an end this Sunday. HBO’s Westworld is a great show. So, if you need something similar to watch after you’ve seen the final episode of season two this Sunday, then have a look at my seven film suggestions for you to watch if you are a fan of HBO’s Westworld. Continue reading “If You Like HBO’s WESTWORLD, Then Watch These Films”

30 Things 2017 Taught Cinephiles, Critics, and the Industry – Special Features #18

In true Jedi Master-fashion, every year in film provides us with lessons and guides that form trends and a changing landscape in the filmmaking industry. 2017 was a great year for film, and today I want to talk about the lessons that I will remember 2017 for. Continue reading “30 Things 2017 Taught Cinephiles, Critics, and the Industry – Special Features #18”

REVIEW: All the Money in the World (2017)

Theatrical Release Poster – TriStar Pictures

The following is a review of All the Money in the World – Directed by Ridley Scott.

All the Money in the World is, easily, one of the most talked about films these last couple of months. It isn’t because it is one of the big favorites for the Academy Awards (it isn’t), and it isn’t because it was one of the most anticipated films of 2017 (it wasn’t). No, actually, the reason why people couldn’t stop talking about this film is for the simple fact that controversy is all over this film like moths around a flame. Continue reading “REVIEW: All the Money in the World (2017)”

REVIEW: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Theatrical Release Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a review of Blade Runner 2049 – Directed by Denis Villeneuve

Filmmaking is a business, and some business decisions just do not make sense. Indeed, some might say it makes no sense to make Blade Runner 2049 under the conditions that it has been. The original Blade Runner, which was directed by Ridley Scott, was originally met with mixed reviews and, to the best of my knowledge, it didn’t find much success at the box office. Continue reading “REVIEW: Blade Runner 2049 (2017)”

CLASSIC REVIEW: Blade Runner (1982)

Final Cut Release Poster – Warner Bros.

The following is a review of Blade Runner: The Final Cut – Directed by Ridley Scott

When people want to start reading comic books with their favorite characters from the big screen, they often become very confused about where to start. There are so many different versions, issues, and volumes that it is not an easy hobby to start. Similarly, some movies and franchises seem too complicated to get into. Sometimes people say they won’t start watching Star Trek or Star Wars because, to them, it feels like you need an extensive guide to start. Continue reading “CLASSIC REVIEW: Blade Runner (1982)”

REVIEW: Alien: Covenant (2017)

Teaser Poster – 20th Century Fox

The following is a review of Alien: Covenant – Directed by Ridley Scott. For more Alien reviews, check out this category.

With 2012’s Prometheus and now with 2017’s Alien: Covenant, Ridley Scott – the directorial ‘father’ of the Alien-franchise – has reclaimed ownership of the vastly popular horror-science fiction film series. Unfortunately, Prometheus wasn’t met with much praise from fans, and now – with Alien: Covenant – Ridley Scott is trying to appease the rapid fan-base while still dealing with the themes present in his first prequel. And although it does feel a little bit like a compromise, Covenant is nonetheless a fantastic film. Continue reading “REVIEW: Alien: Covenant (2017)”