Review It Yourself

Review It Yourself celebrates five years of the podcast with a proper reunion as Sean and Sarah finally find themselves recording in the same room — and, naturally, the conversation quickly goes everywhere.

This time, they’re reviewing Gladiator II (2024), Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel to the Oscar-winning Gladiator. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn, the film takes us back to Ancient Rome, the Colosseum and the brutal world of gladiatorial combat.
But is Gladiator II simply a sequel trading on the legacy of the original, or does it actually have something of its own to say?

Sean and Sarah get properly stuck into what works — and what doesn’t — including the film’s ensemble cast, pacing, action sequences, political intrigue, performances, production design, music and connection to the original Gladiator.

They discuss Paul Mescal’s Lucius, Pedro Pascal’s battle-weary Roman general Acacius, Connie Nielsen’s return as Lucilla and Denzel Washington’s scene-stealing performance as Macrinus. There’s also plenty of appreciation for the supporting cast, with the pair arguing that the film works particularly well when viewed as an ensemble rather than simply as a Paul Mescal vehicle.

The conversation also explores the film’s depiction of power in Ancient Rome, the role of the Praetorian Guard, the use of the Colosseum as political theatre, and how the increasingly spectacular gladiatorial games become another weapon in the struggle for control.
And then there’s the action.

From gladiatorial battles and spectacular set pieces to the film’s surprisingly effective pacing, Sean and Sarah look at why a 142-minute historical epic manages to feel considerably shorter than some much less ambitious films.

They also get into the things that took them out of the experience — including the marketing and trailer, and a few moments that invite the inevitable question: what exactly were they thinking?

There’s plenty of discussion about the relationship between Gladiator II and the original 2000 film, including the returning characters, the way the sequel connects to its predecessor and whether the call-backs feel natural or forced.

And, because this is Review It Yourself, the discussion inevitably goes off on several tangents along the way.

Expect Gladiator II spoilers, film trivia, disagreements, laughs, random faff and a few detours that have absolutely nothing to do with Ancient Rome.

Most importantly, this episode marks five years of Review It Yourself — five years of film reviews, arguments, tangents, questionable opinions and Sean and Sarah talking about the films they love, hate and everything in between.

If you enjoy honest, conversational film reviews and movie podcasts, follow Review It Yourself wherever you listen to podcasts, and help us keep the faff going.

You can support the podcast by following the show, listening to episodes, sharing episodes with other film fans, and rating or reviewing us on your podcast platform. You can also find us on Cinova and rate your favourite films there.

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What did you think of Gladiator II? Did it live up to the legacy of the original, or did you go into the arena expecting something different?
Listen to the episode, join the conversation and let us know what you think.

And Thank You for five years of Review It Yourself. Here's to many more years of films, faff and completely unnecessary tangents.
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Was Sink the Bismarck! one of Britain's most accurate war films?

What happens when one of the most famous naval engagements of the Second World War becomes a 1960 British classic? In this episode of Review It Yourself, Sean dives into Sink the Bismarck! with returning guest Richard M. Jones, author, historian, researcher and lifelong enthusiast of shipwrecks and maritime history.

Rather than simply reviewing the film, this conversation explores why Sink the Bismarck! remains such an interesting and surprisingly restrained Second World War film. Richard brings his extensive knowledge of naval history to the discussion, examining what the film gets right, where Hollywood takes liberties, and why its portrayal of the Battle of the Denmark Strait and the hunt for the Bismarck still works more than six decades later.

At the heart of the discussion is the film's unusual approach. Instead of concentrating solely on spectacular battles and life aboard the warships, Sink the Bismarck! spends considerable time with the people making decisions behind the scenes. Kenneth More's fictional character, Commander Shepherd, becomes the centre of a story about leadership, pressure, responsibility and the human cost of warfare.

We also look at the film's portrayal of the HMS Hood, HMS Prince of Wales, Bismarck, Ark Royal and the wider British response to the German battleship's Atlantic sortie. The conversation considers the Battle of the Denmark Strait, the destruction of Hood, the eventual tracking and sinking of Bismarck, and the role of intelligence, reconnaissance and communications in the pursuit.

Richard explains why the film's historical accuracy makes it stand out, while also identifying some of its notable departures from reality — including the mysterious fictional ship Solent. We discuss how the real Bismarck story compares with its cinematic depiction and why the filmmakers' decision not to turn the ending into a simple moment of triumph actually gives the film much of its power.

The episode also takes us beneath the surface of the film and into Richard's own fascination with Bismarck. He explains how discovering Robert Ballard's Exploring the Bismarck as a young reader helped fuel his interest in the battleship, eventually leading to a lifelong passion for maritime history, shipwrecks, writing and research.

About Richard M. Jones
Richard M. Jones is an author, historian and researcher specialising in shipwrecks, shipping, military history and forgotten disasters. His interest in maritime history began at a young age and has developed into decades of research, writing, archive work and memorial campaigns.
Richard's official website features information about his books, research, talks and presentations, as well as his extensive shipwreck archive. He also offers talks for societies, schools and other groups.
Contact Richard:
Email: shipwreckdata@yahoo.co.uk
Richard M. Jones — official website
The website also provides a contact form and information for media, podcast, presentation and research enquiries.

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Support Review It Yourself
If you've enjoyed this episode, the best way to support Review It Yourself is simple: listen, follow, subscribe, rate, review and share the podcast with someone who loves films, history or both.
Listen to the episode, revisit the film, and Review It Yourself.
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One of the most divisive vampire films finally gets a fair defence.

Is Queen of the Damned (2002) really one of the most unfairly criticised vampire films of the 2000s? In this special Defend It Yourself episode of Review It Yourself, host Sean is joined by co-host Sarah to make the case for the much-maligned adaptation of Anne Rice's vampire universe.

Rather than piling on the criticism, Sean and Sarah revisit Queen of the Damned with fresh eyes, discussing why its ambition, gothic style, unforgettable soundtrack and early-2000s aesthetic have earned it a loyal cult following. They explore how the film compares with other vampire favourites including Blade, The Crow and Interview with the Vampire, while examining why a film doesn't have to be perfect to be entertaining.

Expect a lively discussion covering the film's strengths, its flaws, Anne Rice's influence, vampire mythology, the performances, the rock-and-roll take on Lestat, and why taking creative risks sometimes makes for a far more memorable movie than playing it safe.

Whether you're a lifelong fan, a curious horror lover, or someone who dismissed Queen of the Damned years ago, this episode might just convince you to give it another chance.

In this episode:
Why Queen of the Damned deserves a second look
Sean and Sarah defend one of their favourite guilty pleasures
Comparing Queen of the Damned with Blade, The Crow and Interview with the Vampire
Anne Rice's vampire legacy and gothic storytelling
The film's iconic soundtrack and early-2000s style
Why ambitious films can be more enjoyable than "safe" ones
Cult movies, vampire cinema and horror nostalgia

If you enjoy honest film discussions without unnecessary waffle, subscribe to Review It Yourself, leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share the episode with fellow film fans. Every review helps more listeners discover the show.

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Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com

Support the Podcast
The best way to support Review It Yourself is to:
Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Leave a 5-star rating and written review on Apple Podcasts.
Rate and comment on Spotify.
Share your favourite episodes on social media.
Recommend the podcast to friends who love films, horror and cult cinema.
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Before the beast awakens, discover why this divisive horror remake deserves discussion.

Sean is joined by returning co-host Sarah for an in-depth review of The Wolfman Extended Cut (2010), starring Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving. While the film was heavily criticised on release and struggled at the box office, does the extended cut reveal an underrated Gothic horror, or is it still a missed opportunity?

The conversation explores the film's haunting Victorian atmosphere, practical effects, brutal werewolf action, performances, Gothic influences, emotional storytelling, and how it compares with both the classic Universal monster movies and other werewolf favourites such as An American Werewolf in London. Sean and Sarah don't entirely agree this time, leading to one of the podcast's most interesting debates as they examine what works, what doesn't, and whether this overlooked remake deserves another chance.
If you're a fan of The Wolfman (2010), werewolf films, Universal Monsters, Gothic horror, horror remakes, Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, or in-depth film review podcasts, this episode is for you.

In this episode:
The Wolfman Extended Cut (2010) review
Differences between the theatrical and extended versions
Benicio del Toro and Anthony Hopkins' performances
Gothic horror atmosphere and production design
Practical effects, CGI and werewolf transformations
Themes of family trauma, fate and the monster within
How it compares with classic Universal horror and modern werewolf films
Sean and Sarah's final verdicts

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Support the podcast
If you enjoy Review It Yourself, please:
Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on Apple Podcasts.
Rate and comment on Spotify.
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Share this episode with a fellow film fan—it's one of the best ways to help the podcast grow.

Review It Yourself – Film Reviews Without the Faff. Honest, entertaining and spoiler-filled discussions covering classic films, cult favourites, blockbusters and hidden gems.
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Honour, sacrifice, and unforgettable battles—does The Last Samurai deserve modern masterpiece status?

Sean is joined by returning co-host Sarah to take a deep dive into The Last Samurai (2003), the sweeping historical epic directed by Edward Zwick and starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, and Timothy Spall. More than two decades after its release, does this ambitious blend of action, history, philosophy, and emotional storytelling still stand among the greatest historical dramas ever made?

From Hans Zimmer's soaring score and breath-taking cinematography to unforgettable performances and emotionally devastating moments, Sean and Sarah explore why The Last Samurai continues to inspire passionate debate. They discuss Tom Cruise's much-criticised casting, the film's portrayal of the samurai tradition, the balance between historical fact and Hollywood storytelling, and why Ken Watanabe's Oscar-nominated performance remains one of the film's greatest strengths.

Expect thoughtful analysis, plenty of laughs, spoiler-filled discussion, and a passionate defence of a film that many believe deserves far more recognition than it receives.

In this episode:

Is The Last Samurai one of Tom Cruise's finest performances?
Why Ken Watanabe steals nearly every scene.
The film's themes of honour, identity, redemption, and cultural change.
Hans Zimmer's unforgettable musical score.
Historical accuracy versus cinematic storytelling.
Favourite scenes, emotional moments, and standout performances.
Final ratings and whether this modern epic still holds up today.

If you enjoy in-depth movie reviews, film analysis, classic cinema discussions, and conversations about the biggest films in movie history, subscribe to Review It Yourself – Film Reviews Without the Faff for new episodes.

Follow Review It Yourself
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@reviewityourselfpodcast2021
Email: reviewityourselfpodcast@gmail.com

Support the podcast
If you enjoy the show, the best way to support Review It Yourself is to:

Follow or subscribe on your favourite podcast app.
Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Share this episode with friends and fellow film fans.
Recommend a film you'd like Sean and the team to review in a future episode by getting in touch on social media or via email.
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