Gladiator 2 first reviews: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington steal the ...

Gladiator 2 received mixed reviews, with standout performances by Denzel Washington and Paul Mescal. Critics have commended the ambitious scenes, though some found it lacking compared to the original.

Critics are praising Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington's performance in Gladiator 2.

The first reviews for Gladiator 2 highlight compelling performances by Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, with critics praising the film's ambitious scenes and classic gladiatorial spectacles.

The Guardian remarks on the film’s dedication to thrilling, intense sequences, noting that it "delivers the keynote scenes and moments for the fanbase (which is all of us)." Memorable gladiatorial set pieces include a re-enactment of a sea battle in a flooded arena and an epic confrontation with a rhino, maintaining the hallucinatory quality that distinguished Ridley Scott’s original Gladiator.

Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Macrinus, the cunning manipulator who exploits Senator Thraex’s gambling addiction, is especially highlighted as a near show-stealer.

Variety finds Gladiator 2 a "mere shadow" of the iconic original but acknowledges it is "just diverting enough to justify its existence." Paul Mescal, cast as Lucius, projects a "shaggy rugged nobility" and idealism, a stark contrast to the vengeful spirit of Russell Crowe’s Maximus. Washington's performance is equally celebrated, with Variety noting that he draws from "Shakespearean knowledge to layer this character into a succulent real-world vision of ambitious evil."

Meanwhile, the BBC points out that the sequel strikes a "less perfect balance between emotion and action" than its predecessor. With intense scenes of combat and beheadings that sometimes overshadow character development, the film nevertheless holds its ground. Washington’s depiction of Macrinus, adorned with "jewelled rings on every finger and gold chains around his neck," is embraced for its audacious, larger-than-life delivery as he schemes for ultimate power.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gladiator 2 gains momentum whenever it steps out of its predecessor’s shadow, particularly with Washington’s captivating portrayal of Macrinus, a former slave-turned-Machiavellian schemer. Mescal, who physically prepared for the role by building a fighter’s physique, delivers a credible performance, though The Hollywood Reporter mentions his portrayal at times "feels a tad flat" with a limited emotional range of "brooding intensity and simmering rage."

Early reviews suggest that Gladiator 2 honours its roots while carving out fresh ground, particularly through Denzel Washington’s energetic performance, which adds a distinct vitality to the highly anticipated sequel.