Gladiator II first reactions are in: Critics call sequel a 'masterpiece' and Ridley Scott's best work
Paul Mescal in a still from Gladiator II
The first reactions for Gladiator II are here! Legendary director Ridley Scott has brought his Roman world back onto the screen after 24 years, and as per the first reactions, it's thrilling, epic and a perfect sequel to an iconic film.
The much-awaited movie is set to hit the theatres on November 15. Before the release, the makers organised the first screening of the movie at the Paramount Studiosin Los Angeles, and several film critics, award voters, movie enthusiasts and media were invited to watch the movie.
Gladiator II’s first reactions
The sequel to the Russell Crowe starrer Gladiator is one of the most talked about movies ever since the announcement, and with Ridley returning to the director's chair, everyone's expectations were on cloud nine. Now, as the first reactions ofthe movie are out, it seems like Scott hasdone a great job with the sequel.
Set years after the death of the revered hero Maximus (Played by Russell), the movie follows the life of grown-up Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and the nephew of Commodus, the original film’s antagonist played by Joaquin Phoenix.
The official synopsis for the movie reads, "Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people."
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Apart from Mescal, the movie stars Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.
Soon after watching the movie, many critics declared Gladiator II already an Oscar dominator much like its predecessor.
The movie has garnered rave reviews from critics, who have hailed the prolific performances, the stunning visual effects and the action among others.
Matt Brennan of the Los Angeles Times said the film has “absolute sicko shit,” further calling it “the ‘we are so back’ of bloody costume epics.”
TV and film journalist Scott Menzel called the movie, ''a big, bloody and badass action spectacle.''
Variety‘s Clayton Davis wrote, “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 most killer roles yet. A third Oscar could very well come his way.”
Happy Sad Confused host Josh Horowitz called the movie, “pretty f**king great,”
Check out the first reactions here:
