Much like its predecessor, Gladiator II is a spectacle in the same way the glorious, bloody battles in Rome’s Colosseum enlivened and captivated the masses. 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?” And, in truth, there are very few viewers who will not be, even those skeptical of a belated sequel to the 2000 Best Picture winner, which had a thunderous performance from its star Russell Crowe.

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GLADIATOR II ★★★1/2 (3.5/4 stars)
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Written by: David Scarpa
Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington
Running time: 148 mins.

In the new film, directed by Scott and written by David Scarpa based on characters created by the original screenwriter David Franzoni, years have passed, but not much has changed in Ancient Rome. After Maximus’ heroic death in Colosseum, Lucilla (a returning Connie Nielsen) sends their son Lucius........

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