Gladiator II held its first full screening on Friday night on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles. As usual, social media was then flooded with comments.
As we always say at this point in the release cycle, these are mostly online outlets, although there is a notable response from Variety buried in there. Enough with the intro, what is everyone saying?
“Rest easy, Romans. #Gladiator2 is the kind of large-scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral. Everything about it just works. Big #Maverick vibes in its ability to conjure the past while adding something new.”
Drew Taylor, The Wrap
“Gladiator II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. 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. #GladiatorII”
Erik Anderson, Awards Watch
“Gladiator II is Ridley Scott’s best film since The Martian. A big, bloody and bad ass action spectacle that builds upon the legacy of the original. The film showcases beautiful set pieces and a lot of epic battles. Paul Mescal shines. Denzel Washington chews up the scenery quite a bit here and looks like he is having the time of his life here. #GladiatorII”
Scott Menzel, Awards Buzz
“Ridley Scott’s best directorial effort since Black Hawk Down. 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. Sound, visuals, costumes, you name it, this movie’s got it. Another blockbuster the Academy can most definitely embrace.”
Clayton Davis, Variety
It is not all completely gushing, though:
“#GladiatorII lacks the focus and emotional punch of the original, and Mescal isn’t quite as captivating a lead here as Crowe was in the original, but it’s overflowing with memorable action and it’s got Denzel stealing the movie in soon to be one of his most iconic performances… Ridley Scott on an off day is still far better than most of the stuff we see on the big screen. Buy your tickets now ppl.”
Will Mavity, Next Best Picture
“#GladiatorII doesn’t quite rise to the greatness of the original but it’s a damn fine sequel with big stakes, a solid story, & excellent performances. I enjoyed it thoroughly, most probably will too, but it’s just slightly lacking emotionally. Everything is very easy & surface.”
Germain Lussier, io9
Gladiator II opens mid-November, and a week later on November 22nd in the United States.