As mentioned, brain turned way, way off for this one. I watched the truly miserable Pompeii and Legend of Hercules beforehand as a warmup, which make this thing look like a masterpiece by comparison.
So, I thought it was fine. The action is good and Denzel and Pedro Pascal are both charismatic. A lot of fun, bloody, hard R battles, no punches pulled. The dynamic between Caracalla and Geta is sufficient to propel things along. Not quite different enough from Commodus, but you have Denzel to mix things up.
Biggest problem is the wooden lead. He invites a direct comparison to Russell Crowe, and can’t compare at all. Also, protect your wife, dumbass. His character wasn’t very likable.
Is it up to par with the original? No. The cinematographer trashed Ridley Scott publicly the other day for using a three camera setup out of laziness, so the film couldn’t be lit properly. It shows, lacking anything visually to take it from good to great.
A fun spectacle, no regrets.