Gladiator 2 has received a thumbs-up from those who've already seen it. Ridley Scott's lavish Roman prequel picks up with the older Lucius (Paul Mescal), a free man turned slave and, in a bit of ret-conning, the son of the late Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe).
Lucius, the son of Maximus' one-time love Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), is caught in the machinations between slave owner Macrinus (Denzel Washington), General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and power-mad emperors Caracella and Geta (Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger). The stage is set for an awe-inspiring plunge into ancient and brutal antiquity with the Colosseum battles now featuring ship battles and more eye-widening spectacles.
Has Ridley Scott pulled off his best film in years? How does Mescal bear up against Crowe's burly, Oscar-winning turn? And which cast member is potentially in line for an Oscar this time? Find out below.
Gladiator 2 showcases Ridley Scott at his world-building best
Rest easy, Romans. #Gladiator2 is the kind of large scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral. Everything about it just works. Big #Maverick vibes in its ability to conjure the past while adding something new. Bold, muscular filmmaking from a legendary talent. 🏛️ pic.twitter.com/ZpowkMpPV1
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) October 19, 2024
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. #GladiatorII pic.twitter.com/eKY2UqDNPi
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) October 19, 2024
#GladiatorII lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original, and Mescal isn’t quite as captivating a lead here as Crowe was in the original, but it’s overflowing with memorable action and it’s got Denzel stealing the movie in soon to be one of his most iconic performances pic.twitter.com/zcBF1a7NRb
— Will Mavity (@mavericksmovies) October 19, 2024
It honours the strength of the original film
#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 👍 pic.twitter.com/anFnm9rfEl
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) October 19, 2024
#GladiatorII doesn’t quite rise to the greatness of the original but it’s a damn fine sequel with big stakes, a solid story, & excellent performances.
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) October 19, 2024
I enjoyed it thoroughly, most probably will too, but it’s just slightly lacking emotionally. Everything is very easy & surface. pic.twitter.com/FjMxkKlANk
Denzel Washington deserves to be a lock for a Best Supporting Actor nomination
Welcome back to the f*king movies!
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) October 19, 2024
That sums up #GladiatorII. Ridley Scott's best directorial effort since "Black Hawk Down." I found Paul Mescal's work as Lucius to be one of the film's most honest surprises. This is Denzel Washington, having the time of his life in one of his… pic.twitter.com/5ETqmXdbDD
Engrave Denzel Washington’s name on the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for GLADIATOR 2 right this instance.
— Jillian🫧 (@JillianChili) October 19, 2024
Just saw @GladiatorMovie & OOOOOOMMMMMMGGGGGG😭😮💨
— Shanelle Genai✨ (@shanellegenai) October 19, 2024
They might as well call it “Roman Gangster” bc THE WAY DENZEL WASHINGTON WAS CARRYING ON!!!
This was TOO GOOD. Such great callbacks to the first one. Paul and Pedro ate but the DENZEL ABSOLUTELY STOLE THE SHOW BABY👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/nvK8L49BVd
Are you not entertained by those reactions? A few weeks from now on November 15th, Gladiator 2 will be released at Cineworld. Imagine where you will be, and it shall be so.
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