Gladiator II First Reactions: Ridley Scott has done it again

Ridley Scott's gladiator“The Film,” which was released 24 years ago, was a huge box office success and won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Now there's a sequel, and early reactions suggest so Gladiator II could be just as big and well received as the original. Scott continues to be a good director, they say, while Denzel Washington is praised for a performance that could potentially win him a third Oscar.

Here's what critics say Gladiator II:

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Has Ridley Scott done it again?

Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum to prove to the world that it is HE. DESPITE IT. RECEIVE. IT. Absolutely BUZZING afterwards Gladiator II! An EPIC Shakespearean tale of hope, futility and power in a crumbling system… What a picture!
– Griffin Schiller, FilmSpeak

Rest, Romans. Gladiator II is the kind of large-scale cinematic excellence that only Ridley Scott can achieve. Everything about it just works…Bold, powerful filmmaking from a legendary talent.
–Drew Taylor, The Wrap

Welcome back to the damn movies! That sums it up Gladiator II.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

OOOOOOMMMMMMGGGGGG… That was TOO GOOD.
– Shanelle Genai, The Root

Gladiator II is a true epic.
– Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch

Gladiator II is the REAL OFFER!
– Scott Mantz, KTLA

Gladiator II is really great.
– Josh Horowitz, MTV

The cinema event of the year.
– Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central

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(Photo by Paramount Pictures)

Does it live up to the original?

An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor.
– Scott Mantz, KTLA

Everyone DOES their best in this epic sequel to man's duplicity that takes everything to another level while paying homage to its predecessor.
– Jillian Chlingerian, Offscreen Central

I liked it Gladiator II about as much as gladiator. The relentlessly entertaining three-star tentpole action film looks/sounds great, but it lacks the courage of its convictions given the “treat the first film as pure gospel” mentality that plagues too many older sequels.
– Scott Mendelson, The Outside Scoop

Fits stylishly to the original.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

loner stands out for its ability to evoke the past while adding something new.
–Drew Taylor, The Wrap

Gladiator II doesn't quite live up to the greatness of the original, but it's a damn good sequel with a lot of stakes, a solid story and excellent performances… It just lacks a little in the way of emotion.
– Germain Lussier, io9.com

It's largely uneven and lacks the emotional punch of the first film.
– Andrew J. Salazar, discussing film

Gladiator II It lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original.
– Will Mavity, Next Best Film

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(Photo by ©Paramount Pictures)

Is it one of Scott's best films?

Ridley Scott is the best in years.
– Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch

Ridley Scott's best directorial effort since then Black Hawk Down.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

A return to form for director Ridley Scott!
– Scott Mantz, KTLA

Ridley Scott's direction is unhinged and makes the film seem like an epic Roman opera. The visuals do the job.
– Andrew J. Salazar, discussing film

Listen, I'm Ridley Scott's biggest hater and I loved it Gladiator II.
– Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central

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(Photo by ©Paramount Pictures)

How is the action?

It's full of unforgettable action.
– Will Mavity, Next Best Film

Great action, great visual effects.
– Scott Mantz, KTLA

Gladiator II serves up the richest feast of epic action set pieces and deliciously meaty betrayals.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

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(Photo by ©Paramount Pictures)

What about the performances?

Joseph Quinn is such a freak Gladiator II and Paul Mescal is so fierce as a born leader, not to mention Pedro Pascal proving his versatility on the big screen, Ridley Scott made a movie for the girls.
– Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central

Outstanding performances across the board (especially Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington)!
– Scott Mantz, KTLA

Paul Mescal brilliantly leads a solid, outstanding cast. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.
– Simon Thompson, The Playlist

Gladiator II is best suited as an acting actor for Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn.
– Andrew J. Salazar, discussing film

Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie character, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington eats every line and every costume without ever overacting.
– Erik Anderson, AwardsWatch

I found Paul Mescal's work as Lucius to be one of the film's most honest surprises.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

Paul and Pedro ate but DENZEL absolutely stole the show baby.
– Shanelle Genai, The Root

Denzel celebrates with a breathtaking, Machiavellian performance.
– Griffin Schiller, FilmSpeak

Denzel rocks.
– Scott Mendelson, The Outside Scoop

Mescal doesn't play quite as compelling a lead here as Crowe did in the original, but… Denzel soon steals the film, becoming one of his most iconic performances.
– Will Mavity, Next Best Film

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(Photo by ©Paramount Pictures)

Does anyone special deserve Oscar recognition?

Get ready to crown your Best Supporting Actor Denzel Washington!
– Griffin Schiller, FilmSpeak

Get Denzel Washington's name engraved on the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor Gladiator II Right, in this case.
– Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central

This is Denzel Washington having the time of his life in one of his most murderous roles yet. A third Oscar could well be on his way… Another blockbuster that the Academy can definitely welcome.
–Clayton Davis, Variety

If Gladiator II in the best picture series, I think Denzel comes in third place. If the film is just below the line, I think it's still suitable for a nomination. Really special performance.
– Will Mavity, Next Best Film

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Gladiator II will be released in theaters everywhere on November 22, 2024.

Thumbnail image from Paramount Pictures

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