‘Ben-Thur,’ done that: A review of Gladiator II

So yes, in comparison, “Gladiator II” is a bit of a Temu version. Cynics might even say it’s a retread jumping on the cinematic nostalgia bandwagon. But I give Scott the benefit of the doubt. On its own, it’s a very serviceable blockbuster entertainment experience with a relatively simple plot utilized to fill out its massive action scenes.

The simple plot: 20 years after Maximus (Russell Crowe in the first movie) did his thing in Part I, Rome is well past its expiration date and is rotten with excess. Two brothers rule as emperors. Unchecked power and rabid gluttony (and possibly an STI or two) have warped their minds and permeated society with a trickle-down depravity.

All the attributes that once made Rome great in the past have dissipated, as most of its honorable leaders have passed on (or been swept away from the Senate floor in a flurry of knives to the back). People live under fear and economic disparity. Whether this is a message about current times from Scott and the writers Peter Craig and David Scarpa, I’ll leave for you to decide.

In order to feed the empire’s insatiable appetites, the Romans continue to spread their violent imperialism throughout the Mediterranean. The latest siege, led by the great General Acacius (Pedro Pascal), is upon a stronghold in Northern Africa. Weary of war, he doesn’t want to be in the business of conquering foreign lands, but he honorably follows orders.

The epic battle, which propels the film out of the blocks, results in the capture of a valiant enemy combatant Hanno, who is enslaved to serve as amusement in the battle arenas.

This titular hero is played by Paul Mescal (“Aftersun”), taking on Crowe duties as the lead. He has some big swords-and-sandals to fill here. Transported to Roman territory in Morocco, he proves his mettle as a gladiator and is eventually purchased by Macrinus (Denzel Washington partially channeling Alonzo from “Training Day”), a Roman arms dealer and political influencer. Macrinus takes his toy back to Rome.

Meanwhile, other behind-the-two-thrones machinations orbit the emperors. A secret resistance by those who still hold traditional Roman values prepares to strike. Among them are Lucilla (Connie Nielsen reprising her role from the original), her husband who is the aforementioned General Acacius and a few members of the Roman Senate. Macrinus also plays a major role pulling levers and pressing buttons, while utilizing Hanno’s prowess in the Coliseum to serve his plans.

And of course, in between these plot lines, Scott doles out bread and circuses in the form of glorious, bloody action scenes. After all, all roads in a Ridley Scott movie lead to battle.

"Gladiator II" is a sequel, but watching it without the first one isn't an issue. After all, this is Shakespeare Lite – knowledge of the backstory is not vital. For completists, however, the original can easily be found on a number of streaming services.

The first one is must-watch, if only to experience the acting prowess at work. The monumental star power of the original featured the blinding wattage of old school movie stars Richard Harris and Oliver Reed, while at the same time, young bucks Russell Crowe (Oscar victory here for Maximus) and Joaquin Phoenix (future Oscar winner) announced their arrivals to the world.

Nothing, and no one – even the great Denzel Washington – comes close in the sequel. Let’s just call it a Circus Minimus and enjoy “Gladiator II" by itself.