While many of the reviewers who got an early look at the follow-up to the 2001 best picture winner said it's largely a rehash, most of them were dazzled by its battles and epic scope.

Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal also star in the sequel that brings superb spectacle and storytelling in equal measure.

Gladiator 2 picks up the story of Ridley Scott’s Rome, providing plenty for fans of the original to enjoy but missing some of the majesty that made it a classic.