Ridley Scott's highly anticipated "Gladiator II" is proving to be more arena spectacle than Oscar contender, with critics giving it a modest 67 on Metacritic and 76% on Rotten Tomatoes - solid, but (sadly) far from the original's legendary status.
Paul Mescal steps into the sandals of Lucius in this 16-years-later sequel, but reviewers say he struggles to match Russell Crowe's magnetic Maximus. While the film delivers the blood-soaked battles and ancient Roman intrigue fans crave, it's Denzel Washington who steals the show as the scheming ex-slave Macrinus.
"Watch it on the biggest screen you can find," urges The Direct's Tessa Smith, praising the film's spectacular production values.
But Variety's Owen Gleiberman calls it "just a shadow" of the original, though "distracting enough to justify its existence."
The film follows Lucius, grandson of Marcus Aurelius, whose peaceful life in Numidia is shattered when Pedro Pascal's General Acacius sends him into slavery. What follows is a revenge tale that critics say feels familiar - perhaps too familiar.
Despite Scott boldly claiming this as his career best and teasing a third installment, reviews suggest audiences should adjust their expectations. "Set aside hopes of getting something similar to the first Oscar-winning movie," advises Total Film's Kelechi Ehenulo.
The sequel hits theaters TOMORROW (November 13), promising a weekend of epic entertainment - just don't expect another Best Picture winner.
