Frigo Gourmet Foods 90 William St., Springfield and 159 Shaker Rd., East Longmeadow
The bristling cold of winter often leaves me blue. Seeing the sky turn pitch-black by 5 p.m. daily leaves me in a malaise as I pine for warm days where I could bask in the outdoors. During this hibernation period, I crave comfort food more than ever.
That is where Frigo Foods has me covered. The regional staple is paradise for fans of rustic Italian fare, with countless talented artisans creating classic dishes that elevate home-cooked comfort to an irresistible new place.
Both Frigo locations are quaint and welcoming, with every inch of space being utilized to feature superb food options. There are countless hearty options, including antipasto, chicken wings, meatballs, lasagna, seafood and soup options. The choices feel limitless, and every dish is prepared with the same attention and care.
My go-to at Frigo Foods is often their mouth-watering sandwiches. From chicken parmesan to specialty creations like the Kickin’ Chicken, each sandwich resonates with bold flavors, and they are all incredibly affordable for their size. Why go to a chain restaurant when you can get the best from a local business that takes such pride in serving its community?!
New to Theaters: “Gladiator II”
In 2000, Maximus, a noble and steadfast gladiator, basked in his countless victories by asking adoring fans, “Are you not entertained?” in the film “Gladiator.” Suffice it to say, both the fictional spectators and moviegoers alike were captivated by this grand gesture. The film went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards and skyrocketed actor Russell Crowe into the movie star stratosphere.
Two decades later, writer/director Ridley Scott returns to familiar stomping grounds with “Gladiator II.” The long-awaited sequel picks up a generation after Maximus’ inspiring feats. We follow Lucius, another political prisoner sentenced to servitude in the arena. Lucius’ brawn and undying spirit quickly capture the attention of Macrinus, a slave-turned-socialite who sets his sights on dismantling Rome’s dysfunctional empire through Lucius.
Legacy sequels are always a gamble. Soaring success stories like “Top Gun: Maverick” or “Doctor Sleep” are diamonds in the rough amidst a trash heap of careless franchise continuations that only exist to siphon profits from well-established brands.
Thankfully, “Gladiator II” eschews the fatigued follow-up trend with commendable results. While not quite an Oscar heavyweight, this sequel stands tall as a sword and sandals spectacle that delivers a refreshing ode to historical epics from a bygone era.
I continue to be amazed by Scott, who, at 87 years young, never ceases to strive for the stars behind the camera. Scott is a masterful visceral composer. He conducts lavish world-building with technical aplomb, crafting a glowing portrait of Rome where opulent luxuries disguise the underlying corruption and civil unrest. One area “Gladiator II” does up the ante from its predecessor is the action setpieces. Sure, a boat clash in shark-infested waters inside the coliseum is not the most historically accurate, yet these sequences deliver blockbuster awe that often feels missing in modern films.
“Gladiator” deserves its dedicated fanbase. I would also argue, though, that the film is undeniably campy, from its majestic speeches to its swooning emotional swings. For better and worse, “Gladiator II” dials the cheekiness to new extremes. This is most felt in Scott’s portrayal of Rome’s histrionic political scene. Scott revels in the dysfunction, painting each fame-seeking politician as a callous figurehead soaking in the wealth and attention their positions award them.
Like his work in 2023’s “Napoleon,” Scott cleverly frames “Gladiator II” as a searing satirical indictment on grandstanding politicians who value power more than serving their subjects.
The true showstopper amidst the bread and circus pageantry is Denzel Washington as the conniving Macrinus. Unsurprisingly, the all-time great actor steals every scene he is in, utilizing his trademark gravitas to animate a fascinating political caricature. He chews the scenery with a deliciously wicked sensibility, eliciting constant laughs from his sheer force of will as a performer.
“Gladiator II” does endure some stumbles in battle. Star Paul Mescal is a fantastic emerging star, showcasing nuanced performance work in two of the decade’s best films, “Aftersun” and “All of Us Strangers.” As Lucius, Mescal finds himself succumbing to a shockingly tedious role. Lucius is a copy-and-paste version of Maximus, rarely developing an identity outside the predecessor’s shadow. I would argue that some of “Gladiator II” feels stuck in the original’s shadow. There are some amusing new inclusions here, but the narrative goes through familiar beats without truly innovating its roots.
No one will call “Gladiator II” a new cinematic classic. Still, the film is an undeniable feast for the senses. I credit Scott and his team for crafting a showstopping blockbuster that truly belongs on the big screen.
