Of course this movie was a mockbuster from The Asylum. But still, I opted to watch the movie, as The Asylum does spew out fair enough movies every now and again.
And with a low expectation, I have to say that writer Monroe Robertson and director Christopher William Johnson actually pleasantly surprised me with this 2024 movie. This was definitely not your usual rubbish that The Asylum usually spews out by the dozen. Nay, "Gladiators" was actually an entertaining and enjoyable movie, and one that was devoid of the questionable and laughable CGI that The Asylum also usually is known for. I have to say that I was definitely surprised with this movie.
Right, well the only familiar face on the cast list for me was Vernon Wells, and he isn't exactly a top notch actor in my opinion. But I will say that the acting performances in the movie were good. And I do enjoy watching new and unfamiliar talents on the screen whenever I sit down to watch a movie.
The sets, props and wardrobes in the movie in the movie were good, and definitely added in favor of the overall enjoyment of the movie. And the lack of rubbish CGI most certainly was a nice thing. Well, there was the CGI rendered Senate room which looked rather atrocious and the scene in a courtyard towards the end of the movie that was also pretty dubious to look at.
Sure, while "Gladiators" indeed is The Asylum's mockbuster of the "Gladiator II" movie, don't get deterred. It was actually an entertaining movie, and the production value was quite good for a movie from The Asylum. I was actually genuinely entertained by the movie.
My rating of director Christopher William Johnson's 2024 movie "Gladiators" lands on a six out of ten stars.
