Gladiator II

There’s a fearlessness to its big swings that has to be applauded. It’s Ridley Scott Unleashed, and we’re here for it.

Paul Mescal slays in Ridley Scott’s gobsmacking reboot.

...epic old-fashioned movie-making with a star turn from Paul Mescal.

...suffers from a jarring visual disconnect between the excessively pristine computer-generated animals and backgrounds and the tangible production design elements.

...finds strength and honor in the well-worn armor of its predecessor.

There’s a host of solid performances in Gladiator II, but Denzel Washington absolutely steals this sequel.