On Friday, Nov. 22, when the highly anticipated sequel “Gladiator II” hits theaters across the country, viewers will undoubtedly walk away with two sentiments: this film is both Denzel Washington’s and 2024's best film.

I don’t much like the first “Gladiator.” I think it’s a big dumb overdone movie. It’s fun enough in its way, and lines like, “Are you not entertained?” and “I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next” are kind of cool.