Before I say anything about this 9.5/10 fantastic movie, I need to establish that I understand the nationwide fear of sequels. We have, as a country, experienced some terrible cash-grab franchises. I was a bit nervous walking into the theater, because I knew that I would be horrified if this sequel ruined and took away from the first movie. However, Gladiator II is almost the perfect continuation of the Gladiator franchise.

The protagonist Maximus’s legacy is reflected closely by the new protagonist, Lucius’s, story. While some may find the parallels too similar for comfort, I think it’s a great way to pay homage since the movies were released 24 years apart. This similarity kept the stories linked for an audience a full generation younger. While a sequel was unnecessary, it was still fantastic– it didn’t only add to the story G1 set up, but added complex depth to the first movie that we didn’t even think of the first time.

My only real issues with the movie are about some inconsistencies in the fight scenes, so I wouldn’t feel right giving it a FULL 10/10. However, these points are so minor that even these fight choreography scenes are some of the most enjoyable I’ve seen ever. I usually tune out during fight scenes because they aren’t usually that interesting to me, but I was hooked watching the ones Gladiator II had. If anything, the inconsistencies and minor flaws gave this movie more authenticity and charm.

As a whole, this movie was a genuine emotional rollercoaster with perfect writing and great casting. The plot twists are unpredictable, yet very well-established. I would 100% recommend this to anyone, even those who are scared of a bad sequel to the first movie.