“Gladiator II."

“Gladiator II” (2024, Max) historical epic film directed and produced by Ridley Scott that is a sequel to “Gladiator” (2000). Featured machos are Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius a.k.a. gladiator royale Hanno, son of Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe), the protagonist of the first film. And Pedro Pascal as General Acacius, a general of the Roman army who trained under Maximus, and Lucilla's husband. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) is Hanno's mother.

       There’s the Beavis & Butt-head emperors of Rome: Joseph Quinn as Emperor Geta and Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla. These guys relished their role to the max, indeed. Crazed and whacked. And then a delight to see. Denzel Washington as the wickedly cool and villainous Macrinus. However, the historical figure Marcus Opellius Macrinus was not black or a former slave; he was Algerian. He ruled Rome as well but his death isn't the swordplay sequence in this movie's final frames. 

      Sans my jest, “Gladiator II” is a very entertaining epic cinema, interwoven in Arthur Max's stunning production design that is meticulously swept by John Mathieson's kneading cinematography. I am not pleased though by those CGI animals or ogres. Too obviously mechanical, cartoonish. Not impressive. But as I said, “Gladiator II” is an entertaining fare. Check it out. 🎥💻📽

GAVE UP. <>“The Calendar Killer” (2025, Amazon Prime) German thriller about a Helpline guy and a serial killer. Sounded good at first until I got bored. Or I didn’t have the patience to keep on watching. But I am not saying this is an awful movie. Sound editing is exemplary, for one.