‘Gladiator II’ First Reactions Call Ridley Scott’s Sequel “Unhinged,” “Deliciously Cinematic And Machiavellian”: “Can’t Believe Ridley Pulled This Off”

Are you not entertained? Because just about everyone who’s seen Gladiator II is taking to social media in praise of Ridley Scott ‘s highly-anticipated sequel.

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Although at least one viewer argued that the followup is “ largely uneven and lacks the emotional punch of the first film,” many of the first reactions to the film are raving about the “epic Roman opera,” as well as buzzing about Oscar attention for Scott and star Denzel Washington , following a special screening Friday on the Paramount lot.

Discussing Film managing editor Andrew J. Salazar might have been one of the most critical, but even he had good things to say about 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,” wrote Salazar on X . “However, Ridley Scott’s direction is unhinged, framing this as an epic Roman opera. The visuals get the job done.”

Jillian Chilingerian, co-founder and editor of Offscreen Central, called the movie “an absolute triumph,” adding in the post : “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.”

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In another post , Chilingeriean wrote, “ 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.”

FilmSpeak host Griffin Schiller 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 , premiering Nov. 15 internationally and Nov. 22 in the US and Canada, stars Mescal as Lucius, who previously witnessed Maximus (portrayed in the original by Russell Crowe) die at the hands of his uncle Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) in the first movie. Now an adult, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and fight to return glory to the people of Rome.

Read more reactions to the film below.

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