By Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” held its first screening Friday night and the early reactions made their way to social media shortly after.
Screened at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, the word so far has been unanimous raves with many dubbing it Ridley Scott’s best in a long time and easily one of the year’s best.
However said reaction this time seems to come from social media influencers, junket reporters or more awards-centric journalists as opposed to more regular film critics or even LA-based junket regulars who’ve voiced their skepticism on social media today.
The result has been a lot of gushing, often par for the course with early screening reactions, but even those usually are tempered with a bit more of a critical assessment than the reaction we’re seeing here – unless the film really is THAT good.
Full critics reviews for the film aren’t dropping until closer to the release date, but Paramount seems to be incredibly bullish about the film’s quality with early screenings being held within the next week or two around the world – well before the film’s release.
Expect a ton of reviews well before it opens, for now though he’s a sampling of what has been said so far from the more well-known critics and journos who attended and all seem to think the film is a Best Picture player and Denzel Washington a shoe-in for a supporting actor Oscar:
“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. Bold, muscular filmmaking from a legendary talent.” – Drew Taylor, The Wrap
“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
“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
“#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” will open mid-November internationally and November 22nd in the United States.
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