Excitement is building for the release of "Gladiator 2," which hits theaters in less than two weeks. Early reviews are already flooding in, and to everyone’s surprise, the sequel appears to be receiving higher marks than the original "Gladiator."

Despite being a winner of the Best Picture Oscar, the original film holds a score of just 79% on Rotten Tomatoes from over 250 reviewers, a figure that many fans find surprisingly low for such a cinematic juggernaut. In contrast, "Gladiator 2" boasts an impressive 84% score with more than 45 reviews in, raising hopes that it could be even more impactful than its predecessor.

Critical acclaim for this sequel often centers around standout performances, particularly from Paul Mescal and, ultimately, Denzel Washington. His portrayal is garnering significant buzz, with whispers of a Best Supporting Actor nomination and the distinct possibility of another Oscar win on the horizon.

Ridley Scott, who remains a prolific filmmaker at the age of 86, also has several recent projects that can be compared to "Gladiator 2." Here’s how it ranks against his recent filmography: - **Gladiator 2 (2024)** – 84% - **Napoleon (2023)** – 58% - **House of Gucci (2021)** – 62% - **The Last Duel (2021)** – 85% - **All the Money in the World (2017)** – 79% - **Alien: Covenant (2017)** – 65% - **The Martian (2015)** – 91% - **Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)** – 30% - **The Counselor (2013)** – 33% - **Prometheus (2012)** – 73% With "Gladiator 2" reaching the highest score of all his films in the past 12 years, excluding "The Last Duel" and "The Martian," expectations are soaring.

Critics have shared their insights on the film, reflecting a mix of admiration and critique: - **Daily Telegraph**: “Washington's commanding performance in this juicy role brings immense pleasure. His every move radiates charisma, often overshadowing the rest of the talented cast.” - **Seattle Times**: “Big, bold, and stretching the bounds of believability, 'Gladiator 2' truly delivers.” - **Guardian**: “A visually stunning sequel, featuring the Colosseum rebuilt to an astonishing 1-to-1 scale with real crowds, yet it sometimes feels more like a next-gen remake.” However, not all critics were pleased, with a voice of dissent from **Times UK**, stating: “Scott's latest ‘legacy sequel’ falls short, presenting half-formed characters and a meandering plot that feels like a pale echo of the Russell Crowe original.”

Overall, the reception for "Gladiator 2" appears solid, and the potential for it to contend in the Best Picture category is palpable. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s arrival on cinema screens, and only time will tell if it can mirror the acclaim of the original masterpiece.

Stay updated as we continue to follow the journey of this highly anticipated sequel, which might just reshape the legacy of the "Gladiator" franchise!