Gladiator II

It reviews better than it plays — admired more than it is enjoyed.

• “As with its predecessor, what elevates Gladiator II in the cinematic arena is the ways its themes and dialogue underpin its outrageous spectacle. David Scarpa's script is also fiercely intelligent.”

  Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly · 100

• “The film is long, a shade under two and a half hours, but Scott knows how to pace things so they don’t drag.”

  Chris Knight, Original-Cin · 91

• “Like Scott’s filmmaking in this pleasurably immersive spectacle — with its foreign ancients and mentalities, exotic animals and equally unfamiliar calls to human nobility — Washington’s performance has skill, intensity and absolute confidence.”

  Manohla Dargis, The New York Times · 90

• “Big, bold and bordering on the unbelievable, Gladiator II delivers, big time.”

  Soren Andersen, The Seattle Times · 88

• “It’s equal parts compelling, ridiculous and uproariously pleasurable, often to the point where you can almost hear director Ridley Scott shouting, “Are you not entertained?””

  Emily Zemler, Observer · 88