Ridley Scott Gladiator II largely follows the drumbeats of its 2000 predecessor. It’s almost the same movie, but with different tracks, better visuals, more stunning effects, and more immersive action.

Lucius (Paul Mescal), the illegitimate son of Maximus (Russel Crowe) and Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), unknowingly follows in his father’s footsteps. Sold into slavery to the cunning merchant Macrinus (Denzel Washington), Lucius finds himself in the same Colosseum where Maximus died after killing the cruel Emperor Commodus 14 years ago.

Despite Maximus’ sacrifice, ancient Rome barely changed. The country still craves freedom from a docile Senate and is ruled by tyrants – two of them, in fact. Gladiator II takes its title very seriously. Just as general-turned-slave Maximus is reflected in both Lucius and military hero Acacius (Pedro Pascal), Commodus was reincarnated in the twisted twins Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger).

Lovers of chalk-white makeup and debauchery, the brothers destroy Rome. Like Maximus before him, Lucius finds himself in the unlikely role of liberator of Rome.

The echo of previously explored – and more emotionally resonant – themes is strong in a sequel that wasn’t entirely necessary and yet pulls out all the stops to justify itself. Ridley Scott brings his typical panache to the 148-minute film, blending grandiose spectacle and superb production design with intimate interactions between key characters.

Lucius battles baboons and a rhino-driven chariot as he attempts to conquer the bloodthirsty masses of Rome in the thrilling Colosseum scenes. Fast-paced and seething with intrigue, the 148-minute film doesn’t let up until the unwieldy climax.

Although some of the recurring characters, including Connie Nielsen and Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus, don’t get much to do, the new cast members are comfortable in the sword-and-sandals world. Indie star Paul Mescal couldn’t have asked for a better platform to break into the mainstream. An improved Mescal brings a raw physicality and sincerity to his role, although he can’t match the effortless gravitas of Russell Crowe.

Pedro Pascal is a charmer, while Denzel Washington is wonderfully slinky as the mysterious Macrinus. As the evil rulers of Rome, Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger provide campy moments and fleeting humor. Supporting characters include Swedish actor Alexander Karim as Ravi, a doctor from Varanasi who treats Lucius’ wounds and forms a bond with the skirted hunk.