Gladiator II hailed ‘best movie of the year’ and a ‘true epic’ in first reviews for Paul Mescal

OUT of the ashes of Russell Crowe's legendary performance in Gladiator as Maximus, Decimus Meridius, rises Ridley Scott’s sequel and critics have called it a masterpiece.

The first reviews for Gladiator II, starring Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, 69, and Normal People star Paul Mescal, 28, are in and film critics have predicted the sequel to be the ‘movie of the year’ and a “true epic.”

The historical action film centres on Lucius (Mescal) who after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, decides to enter the coliseum, after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home.

With the future of the empire at stake, Lucius trains under the tutelage of former slave Macrinus (Washington) in a bid to overthrow the young emperors.

Now film critics have flooded social media with their glowing reviews, including high praise for the Mescal’s performance and Denzel Washington whose been described as “scene-stealing.”

TV journalist Scott Menzel wrote: '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. 

Meanwhile producer, director and journalist Simon Thompson said: '#GladiatorII serves up the richest feast in the epic action set pieces and deliciously ribald treachery. 

'Dovetailing stylishly with the original, Paul Mescal leads a solid, stellar cast with aplomb. Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.'

AwardsWatch founder Erik Anderson added: '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.'

'Ridley Scott returns to the Colosseum to prove to the world that HE'S. STILL. GOT. IT,' FilmSpeak host Griffin Schiller added. 

Indeed after the overwhelmingly positive reaction, film buffs are calling for Sir Ridley Scott to finally win his first Oscar at the age of 86.

The acclaimed British director whose resume includes classics including, The Martian, Thelma and Louise and Blade Runner, lost out for the first film in 2001, to Steven Soderbergh for Traffic who bagged the gong for his film, Traffic.

Over two decades after the events of Gladiator 2000, the latest trailer sees Mescal’s Lucius seek vengeance against Rome, in a bloody battle against his captor, general Marcus Acacius.

A former heir to the Roman empire, Lucius lives with his wife and child in a coastal town in Numidia. He hasn't been in touch with his mother Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) in 15 years. 

But he is imprisoned by Marcus , a feared general who honed his fighting skills under the tutelage of Maximus, and his marauding army of troops. 

Played by young actor, Spencer Treat Clark in Scott's original film, Lucius is now an adult and intent on breaking free of the fighting pits, at all costs. 

Along the way, he encounters and befriends Denzel Washington's Macrinus, a power broker who keeps a stable of gladiators and sees battle-thirsty Lucius as a worthwhile investment. 

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II hits cinemas nationwide on 15^th November.

But he is imprisoned by Marcus , a feared general who honed his fighting skills under the tutelage of Maximus, and his marauding army of troops. 

Played by young actor, Spencer Treat Clark in Scott's original film, Lucius is now an adult and intent on breaking free of the fighting pits, at all costs. 

Along the way, he encounters and befriends Denzel Washington's Macrinus, a power broker who keeps a stable of gladiators and sees battle-thirsty Lucius as a worthwhile investment. 

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II hits cinemas nationwide on 15^th November.