Gladiator II (what to expect)
Scorecard, Russell Crowe, New Guy Ritchie, HP pod
This week is huge for the movies: It's the opening of Gladiator II and Wicked. Which are you more excited for? Will you see both? Which one first? We will be participating in Glicked this weekend, so expect a special scorecard on Wicked later this weekend!
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: Gladiator II
Temp These Takes: Favorite Russell Crowe movies
Watchlist Worthy: New Guy Ritchie
Pod Drop: Prisoner of Azkaban⚡️
This week’s movie - “Gladiator II”
Letterboxd Description:
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.
Best Watched With
Anyone who has Maximus Decimus Meridius’ speech committed to memory.
End credit thoughts
If you watched the trailer for Gladiator II and loved it, you'll probably enjoy this movie. You get a cast of mega stars, epic action only Sir Ridley can provide, and another movie set in the beloved Gladiator world.
The set designs are immersive and expansive, and the action sequences are well choreographed and high impact. It shines with the production of the scenes and the intensity of the violence. If war is waging, Scott know's how to make you feel the brutality and inhumanity of battle and bloodshed
We had high expectations of this cast based on their previous work, but Denzel seemed like the only actor up to the task. Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal's physical performances were worthy of praise, but when they weren't rolling around swinging swords, they were merely adequate. Denzel was there to play ball regardless who showed up. We enjoyed seeing him push his limits by playing a different kind of role.
Overall the story feels dislocated, jumping from one beat to the next with no real time to develop, or make us care about the characters. But Ridley Scott brings what only he can in astonishing violence and gore.
For all the messy parts of the movie, there are some legitimately fun action scenes, and an immersive Roman world that looks great on the big screen. You'll have to give this movie the benefit of doubt, but if you are able to do that, you should have a good time. If the Roman Empire isn't your cup of red wine, then you probably won't see this movie at all. But if you are going to watch it, see it on the biggest screen you can.
Watch the trailer here
(In honor of the OG Gladiator) Our favorite Russell Crowe movie.
Sarah
The correct answer for favorite Russell Crowe movie is, of course, Gladiator. This is one of the best movies ever made. The casting, the soundtrack, the battles, the intrigue. I almost changed my name to Maximus Decimus Meridius because of this movie. “I will see you again, my friend. But not yet…not yet.” Greatest ending line of all time. I’ve been shamed for telling people their opinions are wrong before (sorry, Josh 😬), but if any of my fellows puts anything other than Gladiator, I just can’t believe them.
Kelly
I googled “Russell Crowe movies” and I have not watched a single one…so… 🧍🏻♀️
Eric
ROBIN HOOD, BABY. “Rise and rise again until lambs become lions” was a Russell read in the movie, and the minute I heard it I scheduled a tattoo appointment. Got it on my inner bicep. Permanent, baby. It is, however misspelled. Which is super dope. I’ve diverted from the take but here we are. Shoutout Russ for my misspelled tattoo.
Josh
I didn’t know, and to be honest, did not think Russel Crowe had a high caliber comedic performance in him that would garnish high praise and a desperate plea for a sequel from me. The Nice Guys (2016) is one of the best, under appreciated and un-sung heroes of the 2010s. Who know Crowe could stand his ground, pound for pound, up against Ryan Gosling as Jackson Healy, a paid enforced who beats up perverts, bad people, and basically anybody else as long as someone is willing to pay top dollar.
New Mexico Drew
I can still hear the gurgling noise as Russell Crowe stabs Kevin Durand in the throat with a dirty fork in 3:10 to Yuma. Crowe is the ultimate badass villain in this western and I love the origin story of his mom abandoning him at a train station with nothing but a bible, telling him to keep reading until she comes back. So he reads it cover to cover (and probably latched on a little too much to the old testament killing stuff).
What’s your take? Hit Reply or leave a comment below and let us know!
In the Grey (2025) Directed by Guy Ritchie
Look, I know Guy Ritchie had a decent swing and a miss this past year. We Scorecard and had some End Credit Thoughts on his 2024 release The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and it was nothing to go running to the theaters for.
But will I keep giving the guy a chance and go to every movie he releases because I will forever love Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000)? Absolutely. No questions asked and no shame—well some questions asked and some shame, but I will be there.
It’s releasing in January which is known to be the month for dumpster fires of releases, which doesn’t help my case here. BUT I’m going to show respect to England’s and Mexico’s Acting Royalty, Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) and Eiza González (Baby Driver, I Care A Lot).
Ritchie is also teaming up once again with Henry Cavil (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) and Jake Gyllenhaal (The Covenant) for this one. He is working with familiar faces and powerhouses in the industry, a one-two combo that can lead to some serious cinematic chemistry for our entertainment.
I have some reservations but not enough to keep this written-directed flick off my radar.
Adding In the Grey to my watchlist.
- JP :)
Letterboxd Description:
Two extraction specialists must plan an escape path for a high-level female negotiator.
No trailer yet (Maybe not a good sign. Trusting the process)
Also Directed by Guy Ritchie:
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
The Gentlmen (2019) —movie
The Gentlmen(2024)—tv series
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Medium Project #041
🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Re-releasing the Harry Potter Medium Project series we originally released on our other channel onto this one.
In this episode, Sarah and Josh discuss the adaptation of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Listen in to hear Sarah and Josh consider everything from how job discrimination still happens in the magical world to the shifting fashion senses of the Golden Trio. They’ll also gush about the perfection that is Gary Oldman cast as Sirius Black. You don’t want to miss it!
Sarah and Josh delve into their favorite and least favorite casting choices and engage in a lively discussion about the portrayal of dementors, the development of character dynamics, and memorable scenes. They also highlight the importance of specific plot points and how their omission affects the narrative.
Tune in next week for | Moana 2
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I'll still go see 2 gladiator 2 furious, but I am annoyed that it's evidently not as good as it should be