Gladiator 2 wows fans as Ridley Scott returns with epic film
After the special screening of Gladiator II, social media was flooded with praise for Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel. Critics applauded the movie for its epic scope, stunning visuals, and outstanding performances. Fans online had been anxiously awaiting the release!
9:06 AM EDT, October 21, 2024
"Gladiator" is considered by many to be a seminal contemporary film, watched several or even dozens of times. While some were excited about the news of a sequel, others were quite skeptical or even downright hostile. This led to the phenomenon of 'review bombing', a wave of negative comments, when the trailer was first released. However, early viewers have seen "Gladiator 2" and are impressed.
"Gladiator 2" - initial audience reactions
Almost all American media are covering reactions after the special screening at Paramount Studios. Although one viewer mentioned that the sequel is "llargely uneven and lacks the emotional punch of the first film," most praise it as an "epic movie" and speculate about possible Oscars for Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington.
Andrew J. Salazar of "Discussing Film" offered a more critical perspective, but even he praised Scott's direction. "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," Salazar wrote on platform X. "However, Ridley Scott's direction is unhinged, framing this as an epic Roman opera. The visuals get the job done," he added.
Jillian Chilingerian of "Offscreen Central" called the film "an absolute triumph." She said, "GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph, Ridley Scott places you in the action of the arena centered on legacy and honor amping up the blood, battles,and biceps for something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, & Joseph Quinn certified movie stars," she emphasized in her post.
In another post, she added: "GLADIATOR 2 is Hamlet as a Roman political opera, a brutal bloody battle of power and corruption with performances possessing an emotional weight of movie stardom. I can’t believe Ridley pulled this off and its one of the few modern blockbusters that actually looks GOOD visually."
Griffin Schiller of "FilmSpeak" wrote: "Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum to prove to the world that HE’S. STILL. GOT. IT. Absolutely BUZZING after #GladiatorII! An EPIC shakespearean tale of hope, futility & power w/in a crumbling system. Denzel FEASTS in a showstopping, Machiavellian performance. What a picture!"
"Gladiator II," which premiered in the U.S. on November 22nd, tells the story of the adult Lucius (Paul Mescal). After witnessing Maximus (Russell Crowe) die at the hands of his uncle Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the first film, Lucius is forced to fight in the Colosseum to restore glory to the Roman people.
