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.

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.