The anticipated sequel “Gladiator II” premiered in theaters Nov. 22.

There have been many reviews met with excitement and some skepticism from movie fans about how much it could live up to the original film.

The casting of the one and only the legendary Denzel Washington added hype to the film.

The purpose of this film, produced by Ridley Scott, was to add a new addition to the franchise that was built upon the historic and emotional moments of Ancient Rome.

The delivery of the intense action and dramatic flair was very close to the original film.

Some of the moments in the film felt very predictable and gave away some of the main key plots.

Ancient corruption and political landscapes are what both of the films center the plot around.

These types of films have never been my favorite thing, but the visuals that were seen in the trailer really captured my attention.

The plot of this sequel picks up after the events of the first film, following Lucius (Paul Mescal), the grandson of Marcus Aurelius.

The Roman forces that are led by General Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invaded a city, forcing Lucius to be a gladiator. Macrinus (Denzel Washington), who is an ex-slave and arms dealer, is the complex figure of the film.

The delivery by Washington and Mescal showed versatility and range. They can adapt to any film that they are playing in.

The film stays true to its roots by the visual storytelling and the cinematography that was done by John Mathieson.

The other aspect of the film that stands out is the choreography of the battle sequences.

There are comedic elements in the film, such as the twin emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn). The purpose of having these comedy moments was to take away from some of the serious tone that the film is centered around.

The character development of the original characters from the first film really showed how much they have grown and learned from their mistakes in the first film.

The film drew the audience into the chaos and brutality of each scene during combat.

Macrinus is hungry for power but also questions the ethics of loyalty and ambition throughout the film.

The film exploring these types of themes helps set up the backdrop of the set pieces and the hard-fought battle scenes.

The main takeaway from this film is how it celebrated the original film while also creating a new narrative.

There are many films where the plot of a new remake makes audiences forget how great the original film was and ruins the franchise.

The amazing performances, great visuals and deep exploration of the various themes help the film stand out as more than just a sequel.