GLADIATOR II

Scott offers up a new swords and sandals spectacle for the mob

- Jonathan Gordon

Certificate: 15 Creator: Ridley Scott Cast: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal Released: Out now

Avoiding major spoilers for this film as best we can, we begin 16 years after the events of Gladiator (2000) and follow Hanno (Mescal), a young commander of Numidia who sees his wife killed in battle against the Romans. Having been taken as a prisoner of war, he is sold into slavery. He seeks revenge on the Roman commander of that battle, General Acacius (Pascal), the husband of returning character Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), both of whom are growing uncomfortable with the bloodlust of dual emperors Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). Working his way up behind them all is gladiator owner Macrinus (Washington) who buys Hanno and sets his sights on greater power.