Gladiator II critics declare Denzel Washington 'steals the entire picture' thanks to his 'pure camp' line delivery as sly Macrinus while the sequel is hailed as 'watchable and spectacular'

Gladiator II critics have declared that Denzel Washington 'stole the entire' picture as they heaped praise on his electrifying performance. Though Irish actor Paul Mescal, 28, takes the lead in the action-packed blockbuster as the vengeful Roman Empire heir-turned-Gladiator, it's Denzel's portrayal as the sly and ambitious Mecrinus that has everyone talking. Gladiator II critics have declared that Denzel Washington 'stole the entire' picture as they heaped praise on his electrifying performance Though Irish actor Paul Mescal, 28, takes the lead in the action-packed blockbuster as the vengeful Roman Empire heir-turned-Gladiator, it's Denzel's portrayal as the sly and ambitious Mecrinus that has everyone talking He writes: 'Even though this sequel rarely scales the soaring heights of the first film, and takes some right Roman liberties with historical truths, it is still worthy of a firm-ish thumbs-up. The Hollywood star, 69, has been lauded for his 'pure camp' line delivery, with it being said that Denzel is 'palpably revelling' in playing the 'smug, self-satisfied schemer' Meanwhile, Paul, who first shot to fame in 2020's Normal People, is said to be the 'pumping heart of the movie' who 'exudes charisma and testosterone' 'In fact Washington almost steals the entire picture as Macrinus shrewdly exploits the gambling addiction of Tim McInnerny's weak and duplicitous Senator Thraex. Some of his line-readings are pure camp' 'If Mescal is the pumping heart of the movie, its characterful head is Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wolfishly grinning, bejewelled gladiator trainer with his own agenda' Echoing other reviewers, The Standard's Nick Curtis identifies Denzel as a highlight of the film, writing: 'If Mescal is the pumping heart of the movie, its characterful head is Denzel Washington as Macrinus, a wolfishly grinning, bejewelled gladiator trainer with his own agenda.