+1/2 star for Cellino and Barnes ad and Adventure land reference
Ray’s storytelling scene is goated
I could go on about how much I enjoyed Adrien Brody’s performance but Guy Pearce really impressed as well.
For as long as this was, it does an excellent job keeping your interest at each twist and turn of Laszlo’s pursuit of the American dream. It builds the web of relationships surrounding him well until a climax that may leave something to be desired - regardless, I did appreciate the journey this film explores over the destination, perhaps to the disappointment of its final lines.
Pro tip: heroin saves marriages!
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Ridley Scott's Gladiator II is simultaneously impressive and incoherent. Rome and the Colosseum are a beautiful backdrop to a much less spectacular premise and plot filled with characters that are sincere, but not believable.
To speak to the movie's most enjoyable aspects first, it captures your attention with flashy duels and a star-studded cast. The energy of the Colosseum crowd is palpable, and nudges you to root for Paul Mescal's Lucius with the same energy; every fight is engaging, hair…