'Five-star epic' sequel to beloved action movie is now streaming on Paramount+

Paramount+ is finally home to one of the biggest movies of the 2020s that left action movie fans with their jaws on the floor.

Debuting in cinemas in November last year, this epic historical action film served as a long-awaited sequel to a modern classic set 16 years after the events of the original.

It blew audiences away, earning an impressive $462 million at the global box office and even picking up a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Golden Globes for an A-list member of the cast.

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You can now stream it at home exclusively on Paramount+, so if you’re already a subscriber to the service you won’t have to pay a single extra penny to immerse yourself in this stunning spectacle.

We’re, of course, referring to Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott at his best and starring Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s iconic Maximus Decimus Meridius.

Sent away from Rome after the death of his father, Lucius is a soldier in Numidia living happily with his wife when General Acacius (played by Pedro Pascal) invades and takes him prisoner.

Like his father before him, Lucius is sold into slavery and forced to do battle in the legendary Colosseum under the mentorship of Macrinus (Globes nominee Denzel Washington), a former slave who aims to take Rome for himself.

Although Gladiator II received some mixed reviews from critics, picking up a 70 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, many fans of the original were thrilled by this nostalgic return, its 82 percent audience score on RT indicating most moviegoers loved the film.

One Google review reads: “Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching Gladiator 2, and it was a beautifully nostalgic experience that exceeded my expectations.

“The film pays respectful homage to the original while introducing fresh elements that remain true to its tone. It is grand, elegant, sophisticated, and noble - ultimately delivering a deeply satisfying cinematic experience.”

Someone else called it “A Five-Star Epic That Honors the Legacy” in their write up.

They paid extra attention to Washington’s barnstorming performance, adding: “Denzel Washington's commanding presence elevates the film to new heights. His performance is nothing short of extraordinary, adding gravitas and a magnetic intensity to every scene.”

Another five-star review said: “Gladiator II is a breathtaking sequel that not only pays homage to its predecessor but also carves out its own legendary path in cinematic history.

“Directed by the visionary Ridley Scott, this film transcends the expectations set by the original and delivers an experience that is both emotionally resonant and visually stunning.”

The film also has plenty of die-hard fans on the film social media platform Letterboxd, with one enthusiast writing: “I’m in complete awe at what I’ve just watched, a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.

“It’s always such a true honour to witness a Sir Ridley Scott film on the big screen, you are always certain to be entertained through his pioneering work of modern cinema.

“The action sequences are brutal as we venture and return into the heart pounding, glorious and regimented Roman colosseum. This for sure lives up to the legacy of the predecessor.”

And a final fan gushed: “Couldn’t think of a better thing to do than stare at a sweaty bloody Paul Mescal for two and a half hours, my time is well spent.”

Is a trip to Ancient Rome on the cards this week?

Gladiator II is available to stream on Paramount+.