We grew up in a time when the original Gladiator was a cultural touchstone—everyone saw this movie, and it was the talk of the proverbial water cooler. But, is it actually a good movie? We debate that, getting hung up on a pointless, long escape sequence that sees Maximus end up right back where he started.
One thing we do agree on: The first film is a masterpiece compared to its dopey, confusing, CGI-heavy sequel—one where the revealing human combat is replaced by baboons, rhinos, and sharks. Why? No idea.
Show Notes:
The ever-changing Blade Runner:
https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=4589
Harrison Ford’s voiceover in Blade Runner:
https://www.slashfilm.com/873403/blade-runners-ending-wasnt-the-only-reason-harrison-ford-hated-his-voiceovers/
Chad’s Die Hard 5 review:
https://chadmichaelvanalstin.blogspot.com/2013/02/movie-review-good-day-to-die-hard-2013.html
Vulture piece on how Marvel SFX are an assembly line:
https://www.vulture.com/article/a-vfx-artist-on-what-its-like-working-for-marvel.html
Christopher Nolan praises Gladiator 2:
https://variety.com/2024/film/focus/christopher-nolan-gladiator-ii-ridley-scott-1236252847/
Gladiator 3 confirmed:
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ridley-scott-confirms-hes-currently-making-gladiator-3/
Intro Music: https://pixabay.com/music/indie-pop-fun-punk-opener-14343/
Other Music: https://pixabay.com/music/id-105/ and https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-rock-it-21275/
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