24 years after Gladiator, Ridley Scott has completed the sequel to his epic historical film, which will be released in Hungarian cinemas on November 14. However, it was already screened last night in Los Angeles. Among the audience were voters from major Hollywood awards (AMPAS, SAG), and based on the enthusiastic reactions, Gladiator II has been declared one of the top contenders for next year's Oscar race. Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington are both seen as strong candidates for nominations.
"Carve Denzel Washington's name on the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Gladiator II right now," quotes one journalist's opinion in Variety. Another wrote about the film: "An epic sequel, worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor. Great action, stunning visual effects, and dazzling performances from everyone (especially Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington)! Ridley Scott is back in top form! I had a great time!"
There are more similarly positive opinions:
"Gladiator II is Ridley Scott's best film since The Martian. A grand, bloody, and bold action spectacle that builds on the legacy of the original. The movie showcases beautiful sets and epic battles. Paul Mescal is brilliant. Denzel Washington absolutely dominates and delivers one of the best performances of his career."
"Gladiator II delivers plenty of epic action scenes and majestically deceitful betrayals. It fits stylishly with the original, and Paul Mescal confidently leads a strong, outstanding cast. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger are electrifying together."
"Monkeys! Sharks! Syphilitic emperors! Gladiator II is truly wild stuff, and watching Denzel Washington is a joy every single minute. We've definitely returned to the bloody costume epics!"
"Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum to prove that he’s still got it. I was completely blown away by Gladiator II. An epic, Shakespearean tale of hope, despair, and power in a crumbling system. Denzel delivers a masterful, Machiavellian performance. What a film!"
"This is what happens when Ridley Scott lets loose and fills the action with heart. Massive visuals at a pulsating pace. I can’t wait to see it again."
"Gladiator II isn’t as focused or emotionally impactful as the original, and Mescal isn’t as captivating a lead as Crowe was in the first, but the film overflows with memorable action scenes, and Denzel steals the show with a performance that will soon be regarded as one of his most iconic."
