Ridley Scott's Gladiator II FIRST Reviews Out: Critics Call Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal Film A 'Thrilling Spectacle'

Gladiator 2 Movie Review: Ridley Scott's Gladiator II has garnered solid reviews, holding a 77 per cent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Set years after the original, it follows Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal), son of Maximus, as he battles in the Colosseum. Denzel Washington takes on a rare villainous role as Macrinus. Here are the first reviews of the film.

Gladiator 2 Movie Review: Ridley Scott's Gladiator II had its press show in the US, it's domestic market, and critics have already shared their thoughts on the film. For the most part, the film has received solid reviews. The film, a sequel to the 2000 Ridley Scott Oscar winning project, has a 77 per cent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set years after the events that transpired in the original, starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, the sequel sees Lucius Verus (Paul Mescal) son of Crowe's Maximus, forced to fight in the Colosseum after his home is conquered by Rome. General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) captures Lucius' home of Numidia and the hero must find the strength to restore Rome to its former glory. The film also sees Denzel Washington in a rare villainous role as Macrinus.

Reviewing the film, BBC wrote that while Paul Mescal may seem like an unexpected choice, he proves to be the captivating heart of the film. It added that the sequel struggles at times to balance its emotional depth with the high-stakes action, with beheadings and swordfights occasionally overshadowing the character development, but nearly finds the right equilibrium. Also Read: Gladiator 2 New Trailer Out: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal Promise Intriguing Tale Of Rebellion And Revenge.

WATCH The Guardian noted that while Ridley Scott's return to the Roman arena feels somewhat familiar, it remains "a thrilling spectacle," with Paul Mescal delivering a commanding performance as the lead. "We are entertained," he concluded. The Hollywood Reporter said that the film delvers in terms of brutal spectacle, period reconstruction and set pieces, adding that there is a "déjà vu quality to much of the new film, a slavishness that goes beyond the caged men forced to fight for their survival and seeps into the very bones of a drama overly beholden to the original.

” Finally, Empire wrote that what could have easily been a heavy-handed, predictable sequel to a beloved Oscar winner turns out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable romp. Regardless of how Gladiator II fares this awards season, he declares, "it’s a hell of a ride." Gladiator II releases on November 15 in India.

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