Vopata
The critical acclaim for the film concentrates on the performances of Paul Mescal and the probable Best Supporting Actor nomination and probable win for Denzel Washington.
As far as Ridley Scott is concerned, now a sprightly octogenarian still in the business of filmmaking, it would be interesting to see how Gladiator 2 compares to some of his recent efforts.
Despite the premiere being days away, exasperated Gladiator II Review from scores of critics have already begun to pour in, and in spite of everything, the follow-up film is rated higher than the predecessor.
Some Gladiator II Review
“Washington’s relaxed command of this juicy role translates into pure pleasure for the audience: every gesture radiates movie-star ease; every line comes with an unexpected flourish. Unfortunately he’s so good he rather eclipses the rest of the cast.”
“Big, bold and bordering on the unbelievable, Gladiator II delivers, big time.”
“This sequel is watchable and spectacular, with the Colosseum created not digitally but as a gobsmacking 1-to-1 scale physical reconstruction with real crowds. Yet this film is weirdly almost a next-gen remake.”
There’s something so satisfying in seeing a sequel to one of your favorite movies after 20+ years and having it be amazing.
Catalina Combs, Black Girl Nerds
In terms of brutal spectacle, elaborate period reconstruction, and vigorous set pieces requiring complex choreography, the sequel delivers what fans of its Oscar-winning 2000 predecessor will crave — battles, swordplay, bloodshed, Ancient Roman intrigue.
David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
What To Expect From Gladiator II
Taking place nearly two decades after the last installment, Scott’s hotly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s award-winning epic returns us to the ancient Roman Empire.
The narrative of the film revolves around Lucius, who is the son of Lucilla, and who was just a boy in the shells of the former film. Lucius, who is played by Paul Mescal, is now a grown man who has to contend with the ancient brutal energies of Rome once again.
This time, he is dragged back into the Colosseum after the Roman vanguard candesces his tribesmen in Numidia. Coming to terms with betrayal, Lucius is compelled to deal with the spine of his family and the calamity that is Roman politics.
Connie Nielsen reprises her role as Lucilla and Denzel Washington appears as Macrinus, a arms supplier who profits from the violent spectacles of gladiators. O
Other members of the cast include Pedro Pascal playing a Roman General Marcus Acacius and Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn as Caracalla and Geta who play the position for evil as the twin Roman emperors who are not afraid to seek power in any way.
The production shapes the epic scale of the first Gladiator by including elaborate set pieces like sea expeditions and gladiator contests.
Ridley Scott returns with most of the key cast and crew who worked on the first film, and this includes the director of photography John Mathieson and costume designer Janty Yates in a bid to achieve the same passionate and imposing imagery of ancient Rome
