Tracy Lauth

Flat, unconvincing, over-acted, and safe are all terms I use to describe Gladiator 2. I really wanted to like the movie but Pedro Pascal was just gut-wrenchingly unconvinced that he should even be in this role. From his first appearance at the opening of the movie to his death, it’s as if he has never taken an acting class? And I adore him in other roles. His dispassionate delivery is one of the reasons why I think this movie was a waste of time and money. Denzel Washington’s delivery was better but too much “him.” He played himself which worked in Equalizer but not so much here. The contrast of his over-acting against the flat performances of the other actors felt odd and out of place. Visually, the movie is great. Having recently visited Rome, the Coliseum, and the Forum, it was a wonderful delivery of a “concept” of how the games were played. Superbly delivered. We know so much more since the excavations during Covid uncovered a treasure trove of catacombs and chambers under the coliseum. It’s worth a visit if you have not been there recently. In the end, I’m glad I saw the movie and it is suited for a big screen. It had a high-bar to reach and it just does not get there.

I love the franchise and look forward to new releases. This one however was disappointing. Megan Fox may be attractive to some but adding her as they did blew it for me. Her acting was dry filler when it wasn’t needed. Did you forget that women enjoy this franchise as much if not more than men. And the nipple shot at the end was unnecessary. Really. Unnecessary. As for the story line… Could have been good if it was executed better. This installment missed the humor found in the banter between Stallone and Statham. Hope you learn a lesson and don’t kill the franchise based on this horrible attempt at entertainment.