There’s nothing like seeing a movie on a big screen with a big sound system.

It’s epic.

It’s even more epic when you see an epic such as “Gladiator II” in a movie theater.

“Gladiator II” is a throwback to the era of epic Hollywood films: “Ben Hur” (1959), “Spartacus” (1960), “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962).

Or “Gladiator” (2000).

“Gladiator II” is the sequel you didn’t know you needed. It boasts incredible performances, scintillating action, a superb screenplay and top-notch production values in every department.

The Oscar nominations are expected to be announced Jan. 19. Look for several nominations for “Gladiator II.”

“Gladiator II” is a traditional Hollywood-style swords and sandals epic directed by perhaps the greatest, albeit the oldest, living active (very active) director Ridley Scott, 87.

Scott is a four-time Oscar nominee of numerous landmark movies, including: “Alien” (1979), “Blade Runner” (1982), “Thelma & Louise” (1991), director Oscar nomination; “Gladiator” (2000), director Oscar nomination; “Black Hawk Down” (2001), director Oscar nomination; “Kingdom of Heaven” (2005); “American Gangster” (2007); “Body of Lies” (2008), “The Martian” (2016), best film Oscar nomination, and ”Napoleon” (2023).

It’s said that Scott sketches most of his own storyboards for his films. His art school background (London’s Royal College of Art) informs every magnificent frame in “Gladiator II.” Scott works again with “Gladiator” Director of Photography John Mathieson (two-time Oscar nominee, cinematography, “The Phantom of the Opera,” 2005; cinematography, “Gladiator”), who fulfills Scott’s vision.

The “Gladiator II” screenplay by David Scarpa (“Napoleon,” 2023) is Shakespearean in tone, intrigue and tragedy.

The screenplay is frequently poetic: “Wood or steel, a point is still a point,” and “Where we are, death is not. Where death is, we are not.”

The story is by Scarpa and Peter Craig (“The Batman,” 2022; “Top Gun: Maverick,” 2022; “Bad Boys for Life,” 2020; “The Hunger Games,” Parts 1 and 2, 2014, 2015) based on characters created by David Franzoni (screenplay, “Gladiator,” 2000).

“Gladiator II” opens with a huge naval battle of vessels attacking a fortress and concludes with two opposing armies facing off at a river against a vast landscape.

Much of “Gladiator II” takes place in the Colosseum in Rome, where horrific fights between men and men, men and animals and men in boats in a flooded arena take place. Each of these set pieces is meticulously staged and choreographed to the magnificent glory and gore that was Rome.

There is also palace intrigue in scenes of muted colors, dimly lit and with whispered oaths.

At the center of the action and conspiracies is Denzel Washington (10-time Oscar nominee; Oscar recipient, actor, “Training Day,” 2002; supporting actor, “Cry Freedom,” 1988) as Macrinus, who has more than one gladiator up his sleeve. Washington is tremendous as a master manipulator who outwardly appears friendly and supportive. Look for an Oscar supporting actor nomination for Washington.

Paul Mescal (“Aftersun,” 2022) as Lucius, aka Hanno, is a strong presence who is riveting and unrelenting in his rage for revenge.

Pedro Pascal (TV’s “The Mandalorian,” 2019-23; “The Last of Us,” 2023) as General Acacius is a conflicted war general who is a reluctant and weary hero.

Connie Nielsen (reprising her role) as Lucilla, now wife of General Acacius, is a benign presence who has endured much tragedy and is resigned to endure more.

There are many in supporting roles who are perfectly cast for crucial moments in the film.

“Gladiator II” has all the elements for a great time at the movies.

Reportedly, for director Ridley Scott, a “Gladiator III” is in the offing. We can’t wait.

“Gladiator II,” MPAA Rated R (Restricted: Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.) for strong bloody violence. Genre: Action, Epic, Drama; Run time: 2 hours, 28 minutes. Distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Credit Readers Anonymous: “Gladiator II” was filmed on location in Morocco, Malta and England from May - June 2023 and December 2023 - January 2024.

At The Movies: “Gladiator II” was seen in the standard format at AMC Center Valley 16.

Theatrical Movie Domestic Weekend Box Office, Jan. 10 - 12: “Den of Thieves 2,” back with Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., opened at No. 1 with $15.5 million in 3,008 theaters, dethroning “Mufasa: The Lion King,” dropping one place after its one week at No. 1 to No. 2 with $13.2 million in 3,620 theaters, $188.7 million, four weeks.

3. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” dropped one place, $11 million in 3,582 theaters, $204.5 million, four weeks. 4. “Nosferatu” dropped one place, $6.8 million in 3,082 theaters, $81.8 million, three weeks. 5. “Moana 2” dropped one place, $6.5 million in 3,170 theaters, $434.8 million, seven weeks. 6. “Wicked” dropped one place, $5 million in 2.967 theaters, $458.9 million, eight weeks. 7. “A Complete Unknown” dropped one place, $3 million in 2,815 theaters, $50.8 million, three weeks. 8. “Babygirl” dropped one place, $3 million in 1,887 theaters, $21.7 million, three weeks. 9. “Game Changer,” an Indian Telugu-language action film, $2.1 million in 800 theaters, opening. 10. “The Last Showgirl,” $1.4 million in 870 theaters, $1.5 million, five weeks. 12. “Gladiator II” dropped four places, $1.2 million in 1,329 theaters, $170.9 million, eight weeks.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of Jan. 12 is subject to change.

Unreel, Jan. 17:

“Better Man,” R: Michael Gracey directs Robbie Williams, Jonno Davis and Steve Pemberton in the Biography, Fantasy Musical. British pop star Robbie Williams is portrayed as a monkey. I am not making this up.

“Wolf Man,” R: Leigh Whannell directs Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott and Sam Jaeger in the Horror film. Dad gets bit and turns into a werewolf.

“September 5,” R: Tim Fehlbaum directs Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro and Ben Chaplin in the History Drama Thriller. An American television broadcasting crew is caught up in coverage of the 1972 Summer Olympics when Israeli athletes are held hostage.

Movie opening information from Internet Movie Database as of Jan. 12 is subject to change.

Four Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes