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

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.

After 24 years, “Gladiator II” is finally here. Ridley Scott’s sequel to his Best Picture-winning historical epic opens Nov. 22 with Paul Mescal in the lead role and Denzel Washington supporting. Critic reviews are now being published.