.jpg "GLADIATOR II Early screening reactions say the film is “epic” and Ridley Scott’s best film in years")
Gladiator II had its first screening Friday night and initial reactions spread across social media. The sequel to the 2000 film was screened at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, where media and film critics got their first look at the film starring Denzel Washington, Paolo Mescal AND Pedro Pasquale.
Gladiator IIdirected by Ridley Scottsees Mescal play an adult Lucius Verus II, grandson of Emperor Commodus from the original film, played by Joaquin Phoenix.
Lucius returns to Rome after being forced into slavery to fight not as a ruler, but as a gladiator seeking revenge and power, and seeks to restore the glory of Rome to its people.
It’s also in the cast Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi, Rory McCann, Fred Hechinger, Matt Lucas, May Calamawy, Tim McInnerny, Peter Mensah AND Alec Utgoff.
Gladiator II is is set to be released by Paramount Pictures at Thanksgiving after the original film, released more than two decades ago, won five Oscars and grossed $465.4 million worldwide. Even the first trailer released in July collected 215 million global multiplatform views in just a few days.
Full critic reviews for Gladiator II won’t be released until closer to the film’s release date, but you can check out early reactions to the film after the screening below.
Gladiator II debuts in theaters November 22.
#GladiatorII serves the richest banquet with epic action scenes and deliciously ribald betrayals. Stylishly in keeping with the original, Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with ease. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse 👍 pic.twitter.com/anFnm9rfEl
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) October 19, 2024
Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody, bad action spectacle that builds on the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful scenes and many epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington rather analyzes the scenario… pic.twitter.com/vkAt3kcfd5
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) October 19, 2024
GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie edge, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overdoing it. #GladiatorII pic.twitter.com/eKY2UqDNPi
— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) October 19, 2024
Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum to prove to the world that HE IS. STILL. HAD. IT. Absolutely BUZZING afterwards #GladiatorII! An EPIC Shakespearean tale of hope, futility and power in a crumbling system. Denzel CELEBRATES in a Machiavellian and spectacular performance. What a photo! pic.twitter.com/B5Woi7Tqku
— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) October 19, 2024
#GladiatorII it doesn’t live up to the original but it’s a damn good sequel with big stakes, a solid story and excellent performances.
I loved it, I probably will too, but it’s just slightly lacking emotionally. Everything is very simple and superficial. pic.twitter.com/FjMxkKlANk
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) October 19, 2024
Cabbage! #GladiatorII it’s really fantastic. Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger shine. It’s a worthy sequel and Ridley Scott captures the spirit of the original, but the sequel is its own thing. #screening pic.twitter.com/6cOM8hXu9j
— CineMovie TV (@CineMovie) October 19, 2024
#Gladiator2 it’s what happens when Ridley Scott lets loose and finds his heart in the action. A total show with a pulsating rhythm. I can’t wait to see it again #gladiator
— Matthew Koss (@matthew_koss) October 19, 2024
#GladiatorII it lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original, and Mescal isn’t as captivating a protagonist as Crowe was in the original, but it’s brimming with memorable action and led to Denzel stealing the film that will soon become one of his most iconic films . shows pic.twitter.com/zcBF1a7NRb
— Will Mavity (@mavericksmovies) October 19, 2024
#GladiatorII REVIEW: EPIC MASTERPIECE!! Emotional with huge, AMAZING action. Ridley Scott’s perfect crescendo. Paul and Pedro deliver the goods. An overwhelming and emotional saga that punches you in the ass. Not just another sequel, it’s the BEST movie ever! A fitting conclusion that sets up what comes next. pic.twitter.com/vB0nEd3Dg3
—Atom (@theatomreview) October 19, 2024
the epic doesn’t begin to describe #GladiatorII 🩷 this is Ridley Scott’s greatest film. the theatricality, the blood!!! and the incredible performances make this one of the best films of the year. so damn amazing pic.twitter.com/UbslKHXhfz
— kenzie xcx 🐦⬛ (@kenzvanunu) October 19, 2024
You will have fun. #GladiatorII It’s awesome, massive and action-packed! It’s Sir Ridley proving that no one else can make epics like him! We recommend seeing it in the biggest arena possible! @GladiatorMovie pic.twitter.com/VtGh6OCYx2
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) October 19, 2024
Rest assured, Romans. #Gladiator2 it’s the kind of large-scale cinematic excellence that only Ridley Scott could encompass. Everything just works. Great #Maverick vibrations in its ability to evoke the past by adding something new. Bold and vigorous cinema from a legendary talent. 🏛️ pic.twitter.com/ZpowkMpPV1
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) October 19, 2024
No, as if I don’t think you understand…#GladiatorII it might actually be the best movie of the year for me and I’m so sorry😭🤷🏾♀️
I’ve seen a lot of movies this year, I don’t mean to be hyperbolic, but I can’t overstate how good this movie is
RUN, DON’T WALK to the theater on November 22nd! pic.twitter.com/LdIpI8KyG9
— Shanelle Genai✨ (@shanellegenai) October 19, 2024
GLADIATOR 2 is Hamlet as a Roman political play, a brutal and bloody battle of power and corruption with performances that possess the emotional weight of movie stardom. I can’t believe Ridley made it and it’s one of the few modern hits that actually looks GOOD visually. pic.twitter.com/DOr96n62AW
— Jillian🫧 (@JillianChili) October 19, 2024
#Gladiator2 it’s not just arguably the best film of the year, it’s one of the best of all time.
It’s one of those films that will reinvigorate your love for cinema. It defies expectations, the performances are exceptional (denzel just won another Oscar), the soundtrack is equally… pic.twitter.com/SuLDNkORFF
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) October 19, 2024
GLADIATOR II really is the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor: great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (especially PAUL MESCAL and DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT! I had FUN! pic.twitter.com/xC9McJAU5p
— Scott Mantz 🖖 (@MovieMantz) October 19, 2024
by Jessica Fisher
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
