The epic film released in theatres on November 15. The film delivers great action, but lacks emotional resonance.

"While he may have played down the efforts required to achieve Gladiator status, his head-turning physique represents a shift in the ideal of how a Hollywood male body should look and move."

Nearly 24 years after Ridley Scott's Gladiator became a cinematic phenomenon, Gladiator 2 is set to hit theaters. If you need a refresher before watching the sequel, here's a recap of the original film's key plot points,