Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum to prove to the world that HE'S. STILL. GOT. IT. Absolutely BUZZING after Gladiator II! An EPIC Shakespearean tale of hope, futility, and power within a crumbling system...What a picture!
- Griffin Schiller, FilmSpeak
Rest easy, Romans. Gladiator II is the kind of large scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral. Everything about it just works... Bold, muscular filmmaking from a legendary talent.
- Drew Taylor, The Wrap
The cinematic event of the year.
- Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central
Everyone absolutely BRINGS their all in an epic sequel of man's duplicity that takes it all to another level while paying homage to its predecessor.
- Jillian Chlingerian, Offscreen Central
I liked Gladiator II about as much as Gladiator. The relentlessly entertaining, three-star tentpole actioner looks/sounds great but lacks the courage of its convictions amid the "treat the first film as pure gospel" mentality that plagues too many legacy sequels.
- Scott Mendelson, The Outside Scoop
Gladiator II doesn't quite rise to the greatness of the original but it's a damn fine sequel with big stakes, a solid story, and excellent performances... It's just slightly lacking emotionally.
- Germain Lussier, io9.com
It's largely uneven and lacks the emotional punch of the first film.
- Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film
Ridley Scott's direction is unhinged, framing this as an epic Roman opera. The visuals get the job done.
- Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film
Gladiator II serves up the richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery.
- Simon Thompson, The Playlist
(Photo by ©Paramount Pictures)
Joseph Quinn is such a freak in Gladiator II and Paul Mescal is so feral as a natural born leader not to mention Pedro Pascal showing off his versatility for the big screen, Ridley Scott made a movie for the girls.
- Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central
Stellar performances across the board (esp. Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington)!
- Scott Mantz, KTLA
Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.
- Simon Thompson, The Playlist
Gladiator II works best as an acting showcase for Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Joseph Quinn.
- Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film
Paul Mescal is a great action star without sacrificing his indie grit, a worthy heir to the throne. Denzel Washington EATS every line and costume without ever overplaying.
- 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 the DENZEL ABSOLUTELY STOLE THE SHOW BABY.
- Shanelle Genai, The Root
Denzel FEASTS in a showstopping, Machiavellian performance.
- Griffin Schiller, FilmSpeak
Denzel rocks.
- Scott Mendelson, The Outside Scoop
Mescal isn't quite as captivating a lead here as Crowe was in the original, but... it's got Denzel stealing the movie in soon to be one of his most iconic performances.
- Will Mavity, Next Best Picture
(Photo by ©Paramount Pictures)
Get ready to crown your Best Supporting Actor Denzel Washington!
- Griffin Schiller, FilmSpeak
Engrave Denzel Washington's name on the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Gladiator II right this instance.
- Jillian Chilingerian, Offscreen Central
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... Another blockbuster the Academy can most definitely embrace.
- Clayton Davis, Variety
If Gladiator II makes the Best Picture lineup, I think Denzel is winning number three. If the film is below the line only, I think he's still good for a nom. Really special performance.
- Will Mavity, Next Best Picture
