If they were boxers they'd certainly be in different weight categories.

And yet I’ve watched them both in the past few weeks.

So let’s let them fight it out.

Analysis below.

Now I’m definitely biased. My dad sneaked me into the cinema for the first Gladiator back in the year 2000. I was absolutely mesmerised and have rewatched on many occasions. It’s in my Top 5 for sure.

Which is why I'm surprised to say I much preferred Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.

I guess I did spend my teenage years in a household with my mum & sister so am partial to the odd romcom.

I think both originals are masterworks in their genres. Full of quotable lines and many memorable moments.

But for me the new Bridget Jones wins. By knockout too.

Why?

Now normally when writing for Onscreen Magazine—I’m selling the cinema experience not critiquing.

In many ways it’s refreshing as I’m looking for 'the good' in everything. Not always easy. I once previewed the Sonic the Hedgehog film...

But having spent a lot of time crafting my own story and working on the craft it does make me consume stories with a slightly different lens.
​
So looking at them individually.
​
​Gladiator II​
​+ Beautifully shot by Mr Ridley Scott.
​+ Big budget action spectacle scenes.
​+ A stellar cast. Paul Mescal (Normal People, Aftersun) and Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, The Last Of Us) are household favourites. Plus Denzel Washington of course 🤩
​- The story seemed rushed, derivative and didn't pull at the heartstrings. They needed David Franzoni. Reading the production info on Wikipedia it seemed like it lost its way.
​- It had a confused identity.
​- I don't know why they made a big deal of Lucius's identity reveal. I hadn't read any previews on this one but it was blooming obvious!
​- It bordered on melodrama. I don't mind nostalgic nods to previous films. Here, it felt cringe at times, especially with Mescal's... errr... accent.
​- The genetically modified monkeys were odd, to say the least. Really out of place.
​- I could go on...

Rating: 6.5/10 ​
​
​Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
​+ Pulls at the heartstrings from beat one. I’d say it almost tries to yank them out via your throat! Exploring grief for a parent of young children.​
+ The ghost of Mark Darcy/Colin Firth is expertly and deftly used to create emotional impact. I heard crying from around me. Not just from Liv and her Mum. My lip may have wobbled too. ​
+ Renée Zellweger's performance was world-class. Particularly interesting given she's from Texas not GB.
​+ Helen Fielding (writer of the books) played a big role which ensured the integrity of the series. The humour is spot on.
​+ A cathartic, all-round story for the viewer.
​- Possibly you could say the two love interests for Bridget were bordering on cheesy. And the science teacher just happened to be absolutely ripped.

Rating: 9/10

So should you take my word for it?

Of course not.

There is beauty in separate realities.

You may prefer Gladiator. It's certainly an easier watch. All art is subjective.

Has there ever been a book or film you’ve loved (or hated), where others thought the exact opposite?

It's been interesting with early readers of The Monkey State.

Several people said Claude Talador really resonated. Some were intrigued by Tia Talador. A few even mentioned Tom Huckbane (Huckster).
​
I deliberately wanted a world that is open to interpretation. No agreed-upon lore or canon. Again, no spoilers, but in Book 2 of the trilogy you'll have POV chapters from Tia.

For me that was important to show that Claude's view is not the view. It's simply his perspective on the rainforest world.

Right, I'm off, enjoy some of the sunshine if you're UK-based.

I'll catch you next Sunday.
​
​- J. R. Roberts

P.S. Speaking of Book 2... In Search Of Maya is getting closer to the proofreading, cover design and formatting stage. There are a few important (and stubborn) plot points to resolve with Kathy first. Then a few little bugs and gremlins lingering that I want to get right. Who'd have thought creating your own fantasy world would have its complications?