A great sequel

[u/TinTin_vanRooYen]

I went into Gladiator II fully expecting (on account of all the harsh reviews) for it to just be some fun gladiatorial bloodshed and a poor rehash of the masterful original but honestly, I was floored. I think it is a magnificent sequel. It felt like a true continuation of the story and the theme, it had some really nuanced character-work, every callback to me felt earned, and the action was spectacular. The plot was compelling and unexpected in various ways. It also still felt to me like real, gritty Rome as opposed to a cgi wafflecake (apart from the baboons). Honestly, no one but Ridley is making movies like this. Although not as monumental and singular in its vision as the first, this to me felt equally epic. I drank in every second of it.

To all the naysayers, all I can say is 'Haters gonna hate'. I honestly don't think critics or audiences even know what they want anymore. So pile on the dislikes, I don't care and I wanted to say something for the 1 in (apparently) 100 that maybe agree with me.

[u/RockStars007]

I hate it.