The long (and we mean long) awaited swords-and-sandals sequel, Gladiator 2, has now been screened for critics, and the first reactions have begun to hit social media. So, will we be as entertained as we were way back when with the original Oscar-winning epic? Or does the follow-up lack the same impact as its acclaimed predecessor? Let’s find out…
Promisingly, the vast majority of the reactions to the Ridley Scott sequel have been hugely positive, with Jillian Chilingerian of OffScreenCentral already calling for Hollywood icon Denzel Washington to get the Oscar.
“Engrave Denzel Washington’s name on the best supporting actor Oscar for ‘Gladiator 2‘ right this instance.”
Scott Mantz, meanwhile, calls the follow-up the “real deal,” and declares Gladiator 2 “worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor.”
“GLADIATOR II is indeed the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor — great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (esp. PAUL MESCAL & DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT! I was ENTERTAINED!”
Critic Simon Thompson writes that “#GladiatorII serves up the richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery. Dovetailing stylishly with the original, Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse,” while Matt Brennan of the L.A. Times hypes the movies’ epic action sequences, saying, “Apes! Sharks! Syphilitic emperors! “Gladiator II” is some absolute sicko shit and Denzel Washington is relishing every. single. minute. The “we are so back” of bloody costume epics.”
Gladiator 2 Is Ridley Scott’s Best Movie in Years
Film and TV journalist Scott Menzel believes that Gladiator 2 is Scott’s “best film since The Martian,” and heaps praise on the “big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle” as well as Washington’s exaggerated performance.
“Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here.”
On the more negative side stands Andrew J. Salazar, who felt that the sequel lacked the “emotional punch” of the first Gladiator. Despite this, they still found much to enjoy in the central performances from Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
“GLADIATOR II works best as an acting showcase for Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, & Joseph Quinn. It’s largely uneven & lacks the emotional punch of the first film.
However, Ridley Scott’s direction is unhinged, framing this as an epic Roman opera. The visuals get the job done.”
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Finally, critic Erik Andersonapplauds Mescal’s action hero chops “without sacrificing his indie grit.”
“GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overplaying.”
Directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, Gladiator 2 stars Paul Mescal (Aftersun), Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things, Fantastic Four), Fred Hechinger (Kraven the Hunter), Connie Nielsen (Gladiator, Nobody), Derek Jacobi (Gladiator, Good Omens), May Calamawy (Moon Knight), Lior Raz (The Crowded Room), Peter Mensah (300, Avatar), and Denzel Washington (American Gangster). Check out the official synopsis below.
“Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.”