‘Gladiator II’ review: A fantastic Denzel Washington steals this enjoyable enough sequel

nypost.com:

House of Gucci” was devoured by lions; the gauche “Napoleon” decapitated. And “The Last Duel” hemorrhaged gallons of blood (and millions of dollars).But he’s finally notched a win with “Gladiator II,” the enjoyable follow-up to his Best Picture Oscar winner from 2000 that’s not so much long-awaited as it is suddenly here.Honestly — who ever thought there’d be another “Gladiator”?Is it an essential continuation of the story of Russell Crowe’s fallen fighter Maximus?

Eh, not really. A likable diversion, the film is not as epic or weighty as its acclaimed predecessor. And the notion of “II” going on to match its win for the top Oscar in March is as ludicrous as sharks swimming around in the Colosseum. (That actually happens.)However, there is nothing wrong with a grunting, violent, ancient Roman holiday, especially when it boasts a supporting performance as delicious as Denzel Washington’s Machiavellian Macrinus.Crowe’s sword-wielding successor is Paul Mescal, a sensitive soul concealed inside a gruff shell, who plays coy Lucius.He’s a soldier in a North African land that’s sacked and conquered by the forces of Roman general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal).

Lucius’ wife is killed, and the widower is captured and shipped off to the City of Aqueducts.There’s something odd about Lucius, though.

He doesn’t look like anybody else in his coastal enclave — more cabbage than tagine. And he recites poetry from memory, a hobby befitting an actor who came to prominence in the literary romantic drama “Normal People.” As the film progresses, his mystery unravels.