Here’s a PSA for movie goers with osteoporosis: No matter how tired you are, don’t throw yourself in to the far side of your movie seat, trying to avoid sitting on the ten sweaters you brought to keep warm. Because what might happen is you clock your elbow so violently on the wooden armrest that you spend the rest of the movie (and the next day) concerned that the aches and pains from not sticking the landing are a sign that your skeleton is cracked.
Ironic, considering I was watching Gladiator 2 with Paul Mescal battling all sorts of forces, dare I say almost even jumping a shark?
What’s true about Gladiator 2 is that Paul Mescal can play a hyper masculine character AND also do sensitive male roles (After Sun and All of Us Strangers) AND be believable in both. What’s NOT true is what some reviewers said that Denzel Washington steals the show. I love Denzel and he can be a powerhouse (Lady MacBeth of most recent memory), but here he seems to have thrown on a robe and winged it. Ok, he wasn’t that bad, but he didn’t live up to the hype.
Connie Nielsen reprises her role and was credible as the mother and wife begging for peace in a violent world.
Ridley Scot has accomplished what Top Gun did, execute a moving sequel to a blockbuster hit. Bravo! And this from a gal who missed the war ship of the first Gladiator.
