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We thoroughly enjoyed 'Conclave' (adapted from Robert Harris's book of the same name) about the election of a new Pope. Ralph Fiennes is truly outstanding as Cardinal Lawrence, who is responsible for overseeing the process. The film also features memorable performances by Stanley Tucci & Isabella Rossellini. The film is visually stunning, much of it having been filmed in Rome, whilst the studio sets themselves perfectly capture the beauty & magnificence of the Vatican & Sistine Chapel. Much of the procedural details shown in the film will be familiar to people, especially those raised in the Catholic church. As a non-Catholic, I had loads of questions afterwards!! But the film also delves much deeper into what is involved in electing a new Pope, both on a practical and purely human, moral, spiritual & emotional level. Some of the film is undeniably woke, which will please some audiences & annoy others. There is a huge, totally unexpected twist at the very end which we weren't entirely sure added to or detracted from the strengths of the film.

We saw Gladiator II yesterday and enjoyed it. It was 2 hrs 28 mins & commanded our attention the whole time. There are a number of flashbacks to the original 'Gladiator' starring Russell Crowe, a film which we both loved and can never be bettered. In fact some scenes are almost a déjà vu of the original. The action scenes & special effects are superb (except for one early scene in the Coliseum which was so unrealistic & painfully CGI it even raised a murmer of laughter from the audience). There's no shortage of blood & gore, so if you're squeamish, then maybe it's best to avoid the film completely.

Paul Mescal is very good as Lucius. He's impressive in the fight scenes & makes some stirring speeches but, sadly, we didn't feel he had the looks or authoritative demeanor & gravitas of a man who could make others want to follow him and we never really felt any emotional attachment to his character. Maybe this just isn't his kind of film, because who can forget his wonderful, emotional & memorable performances in 'Normal People' and 'All of Us Strangers.' The standout actor for us was Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius, he was superb & held your attention in every scene in which he appeared. So you should definitely see Gladiator II, you won't be disappointed....and it's an enthralling antidote to all the depressing news surrounding us at present.