Of the big screen projects Joseph Quinn has been involved with since his breakout in the 2020s, "Gladiator II" is by far the weakest overall. This has nothing to do with Quinn himself, or any of the actors in the film for that matter (all of whom struggle valiantly to keep the film in fighting shape), but rather the inability of returning director Ridley Scott to escape the familiar narrative of his original "Gladiator" film. Quinn plays a major role in the long-awaited sequel as Geta, one of the young, sociopathically cruel emperors of Rome (ruling alongside Fred Hechinger's Caracalla) based on real figures from Roman history. As they plot to continue a neverending conquest of kingdoms that will bring them wealth and power through the brutal deaths of their own soldiers, the fire of rebellion has been quietly sparked in the colosseum. One of their newest and most promising gladiators, a prisoner of war (played by Paul Mescal) embittered against their rule, sees a pathway from indentured violence toward realized vengeance — and has found himself a cunning and capable sponsor in the scheming Macrinus (Denzel Washington). Before this gladiator can kill Rome's despotic emperors, however, he must slay the ruthless, yet morally conflicted Roman general (Pedro Pascal) who slew his wife. "Gladiator II" benefits and suffers from the legacy of Scott's work, without which it wouldn't be subjected to unavoidable comparisons to the 2000 classic. If only it could exist on its own as a stylish, technically well-executed blockbuster with a top-tier cast — though one that is otherwise unextraordinary and largely predictable. It drew mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and fans alike, with only its upscaled action and brutality seemingly worthy of unanimous praise. Even then, blood alone wasn't enough to save it from being trounced in a truly "Wicked" box office showdown.