After an ill-fated battle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) becomes a captive forced to fight in the Roman Coliseum. Meanwhile, there’s all manner of maneuvering to bring down the current reign of twin emperors. These plots intertwine under director Ridley Scott’s assured direction. The epic battles are violent and vicious (including a rhino and sharks), while the dramatic moments carry their own weight. Mescal has a powerful presence and he’s equally matched by a devilishly delightful Denzel Washington’s schemer. There are no narrative surprises or especially powerful moments, but this remains classically-made big-screen epic that swings from spectacle to drama with equal effectiveness. 
(4 / 5)
