The first reactions to one of the most anticipated movies of the year – Gladiator 2 are here and they are overwhelmingly positive. Lead actor Paul Mescal—who plays Lucilla’s son Lucius in the film—attended a Los Angeles screening attended by a select group of critics. Most of them reviewed the film favorably and predicted it would do very well at awards season – with special note for Denzel Washington’s supporting turn. (Also Read: Gladiator II trailer: Paul Mescal faces Pedro Pascal in Ridley Scott’s action-packed sequel. Watch)
Gladiator 2 Initial Reactions
A critic from Offscreen Central wrote, “Gladiator 2 is an absolute triumph, Ridley Scott thrusts you into arena action focused on legacy and honor that elevates the blood, battles and biceps to very delicious cinematic and Machiavellian action. Pedro Pascal , Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn are certified movie stars.”
A critic from The Wrap wrote, “Take it easy, Romans. #Gladiator2 is filmmaking excellence on a scale that only Ridley Scott can pull off. Everything about it just works. Big #Maverick vibes in its ability to recall the past while also adding something new. Bold, powerful filmmaking from a great talent.”
“Gladiator II was huge! Paul Mescal was charismatic and Denzel Washington was an entertaining villain. The arena games were imaginatively brutal! Baboons, sharks, rhinos they were absolutely crazy! Epic and brutal. Ridley Scott has done it again,” said another critic who attended the screening.
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Many cited Denzel Washington’s performance as one of the film’s strongest points and predicted him to win an Oscar. Matt Ramos wrote: “Gladiator II is not only the best movie of the year, it is one of the best movies ever made. This is one of those films that will rekindle your love for cinema. It defies expectations, the performances are excellent (Denzel just got another Oscar).”
Clayton Davis of Variety said, “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. His most killer roles till date. The third Oscar they could get, sound, visuals, costumes, you name it, this is another blockbuster the Academy can definitely accept!”
Gladiator 2 will release in India on November 15.
