Gladiator 2 debuts with epic praise and Oscar buzz
After the special screening of Gladiator II, social media was flooded with praise for Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel. Critics commend the movie for its epic scope, stunning visuals, and outstanding performances—and internet users were so concerned!
"Gladiator" is considered by many to be one of the most significant contemporary films, watched several or even dozens of times. While some were thrilled with the news of a sequel, others were quite skeptical, if not downright hostile. This led to the phenomenon known as review bombing, a wave of negative comments unleashed when the trailer was first released. Meanwhile, the initial audiences have already seen "Gladiator 2" and are impressed.
"Gladiator 2" - initial audience reactions
Reactions following the special screening at Paramount Studios are being covered by nearly all major American media outlets. Although one viewer noted that the sequel is "largely uneven and lacks the emotional punch of the first film," most people are applauding the "epic movie" and speculating about possible Oscars for Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington.
Andrew J. Salazar of "Discussing Film" was among the more critical voices, yet 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." "GLADIATOR 2 is an absolute triumph. Ridley Scott places you in the action of the arena centered on legacy and honor, amplifying the blood, battles,and biceps for something so deliciously cinematic and Machiavellian. Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and Joseph Quinn are certified movie stars," she emphasized in her post.
In another, 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," whose Canadian premiere is on November 22nd, tells the story of the adult Lucius (Paul Mescal). After witnessing the death of Maximus (Russell Crowe) 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.
