‘Gladiator II’ first screening has rave reviews: “The ‘we are so back’ of bloody costume epics”
nme.comGladiator II took place in Los Angeles in front of an audience of AMPAS and SAG voters yesterday (October 18) and the first reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.The sequel hits cinemas on November 15 in the UK and a week later in the US, and it stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the former heir to the Roman Empire who is forced into slavery after the invasion of Pedro Pascal’s General Marcus Acacius.Set 25 to 30 years after the events of the 2000 film, Lucius resolves to become a gladiator, and takes inspiration from the legend of Maximus Decimus Meridius, played in an Oscar-winning performance by Crowe in the original.Online, many attendees have praised the film, particularly the performances of Mescal, Pascal and Denzel Washington as Macrinus.“Apes!
Sharks! Syphilitic emperors! ‘Gladiator II’ is some absolute sicko shit and Denzel Washington is relishing every. single. minute,” wrote The LA Times’ Matt Brennan. “The ‘we are so back’ of bloody costume epics.”“#GladiatorII is the perfect continuation of the original & an epic story in its own right,” added journalist Caitlin Tyrell. “A fantastic cast, but Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, & Paul Mescal are transcendent!
Countless intense blood soaked fight sequences! @GladiatorMovie demands to be seen on the big screen!Scott Mantz added: “GLADIATOR II is indeed the REAL DEAL!
An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor — great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (esp.
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