CHRISTIAN TOTO: Gladiator 2 Gets the Bloody Job Done.

Age has been kind to both director Ridley Scott and his 2000 epic “Gladiator.”

Scott’s film earned Best Picture honors at the turn of the century, and it’s remained in the cultural conversation. (Can you say the same about “Moonlight,” “Crash” or, gasp, “The Shape of Water?”

That meant a sequel wasn’t just a possibility but a coup despite the franchise missing its two key attractions.

No Russell Crowe. No Joaquin Phoenix.

No problem, apparently.

“Gladiator 2” delivers a textbook sequel, unable to match the original but hardly a wasted affair. Scott may be 86, but he choreographs the mayhem like a 20-something hopped up on Fortnite and Rockstar.

It helps that Denzel Washington carries the film on his legendary shoulders.

The Critical Drinker isn’t as impressed:

Anachronisms be damned, I’m still looking forward to seeing it next week.