24. Gladiator II (2024)
Arriving nearly 25 years after its seismic predecessor, Scott’s own legacy sequel Gladiator II comes with all the director’s usual excess, evident from Paul Mescal’s broad shoulders to the dialed-up performances by Denzel Washington and Stranger Things’ Joseph Quinn. But like rowboats floating in a coliseum, its extravagance can’t make up for its sluggishness. Damning of all is Mescal’s protagonist Lucius, whose overcooked backstory and lack of juice make it hard to cheer for. Any time there’s mention of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, you might find yourself wondering why you’re not just watching Gladiator instead.
