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    Featured The Cinematic Schematic

    ‘Gladiator II’ is a Middling Remix Saved by Denzel – The Cinematic Schematic

    November 27, 2024
    Gladiator II
    https://media.blubrry.com/thecinematicschematic/www.thecinematropolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/24-043-Gladiator-II-Review_Final.mp3

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    Are you ready to be entertained? The Cinematic Schematic enters the arena this week to settle the beef with fellow OKC movie podcast Two Dudes and a Movie in our crossover review of Ridley Scott’s long-awaited Gladiator II.

    The original film was a box office hit and won five of the thirteen Oscars nominated, including Best Picture, Best Actor(Russell Crowe), Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Costume Design. This sequel has been in the works since June 2001.

    After 24 years, the story of Maximus’s son Lucius (Paul Mescal), who followed in his father’s footsteps, finally arrived on the big screen. Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi return alongside newcomers Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a cunning opportunist focused on rising through the ranks of Rome.

    What new ideas does Scott bring to the next Roman epic?

    Check out the conversation for our verdict.


    The Cinematic Schematic x Two Dudes and a Movie

    Luke Parish and Chelsea Ratterman from the Two Dudes and a Movie podcast join hosts Caleb Masters and Laron Chapman. Which OKC film-based reviewers will become nothing but mere shadows and dust?

    Left to right: Chelsea Ratterman, Laron Chapman, Luke Parrish, and Caleb Masters

    Ice-Breaker Question

    Time Stamp: 7:57

    You pit two fictional screen characters against each other in the Roman Colosseum. Who are the characters and what is their intrinsic motive for fighting in the Colosseum? 


    Revisiting Gladiator (2000)

    Time Stamp: 15:55


    Spoiler-Free Review of Gladiator II

    Time Stamp: 27:59

    In our spoiler-free review, we talk about:

    • Our overall thoughts on Gladiator II
    • How effective the gladiatorial combat lands
    • Denzel up for another Oscar?
    • Letter grade verdicts
    • Alternate media recommendations

    Spoiler-Filled Analysis Discussion

    Time Stamp: 1:00:43

    To wrap up the conversation, we take a look at a few of the ideas at play in the Roman epic including:

    • The film’s more cynical take the hero’s journey to restore democracy to Rome.
    • How this sequel approaches remixing the strongest elements of the original film to greater or lesser effect.

    Special Guests

    The Two Dudes and a Movie Podcast

    Follow the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

    Follow the show on Instagram


    Chelsea Ratterman 2024

    Chelsea Ratterman

    Co-host of Two Dudes and a Movie

    Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Member (Treasurer)

    Follow Chelsea on X @cinephilechels


    Luke Parish

    Luke Parrish

    Co-host of Two Dudes and a Movie

    Follow Luke on Instagram @anxiousarcade


    About Gladiator II


    According to IMDB, Gladiator II is described as:

    After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.


    Follow The Cinematic Schematic Podcast

    Hear all this and more of our past and future episodes by subscribing to The Cinematic Schematic on your preferred podcast app and leaving us a rating on Apple Podcasts!

    Email Us: thecinematropolis@gmail.com

    Follow The Cinematic Schematic on Spotify

    Like The Cinematropolis on Facebook

    Follow The Cinematropolis on Twitter @thecinematrop

    Denzel WashingtonGladiatorGladiator IIPaul MescalRidley ScottThe Cinematic SchematicTwo Dudes and a Movie
    Caleb Masters
    Caleb Masters is a film critic, podcast host, and producer with more than fourteen years of experience in media and film criticism, fueled by a lifelong love of pop culture and a passion for media production. As editor-in-chief of The Cinematropolis, he oversees the site’s editorial direction while hosting and producing the podcast The Cinematic Schematic, where he reviews new releases, interviews filmmakers, and explores other prominent voices in entertainment alongside co-host Laron Chapman. He previously served as president of the Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) and currently lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife and three dogs. Follow him on Letterboxd or Instagram @CMastersTalk
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