Paramount+ is now the exclusive streaming home of one of the biggest action films of the 2020s that left audiences astounded.

Premiering in cinemas last November, this epic historical action sequel to a modern classic, set 16 years after the original, wowed viewers worldwide, raking in an impressive $462 million at the global box office.

It even earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for a top-tier cast member.

Now, you can enjoy this breathtaking spectacle at home on Paramount+, without spending an extra penny if you’re already subscribed to the service.

We’re talking about Gladiator II, helmed by Ridley Scott at his finest and featuring Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s legendary Maximus Decimus Meridius. After his father’s death, Lucius, living contentedly with his wife in Numidia as a soldier, is captured when General Acacius (portrayed by Pedro Pascal) invades.

Like his father, Lucius is sold into slavery and forced to fight in the iconic Colosseum under the guidance of Macrinus (Golden Globe nominee Denzel Washington), a former slave with ambitions to seize Rome.

Gladiator II has garnered a mix of reactions, securing a 70 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, yet it has resonated well with fans of the original, as evidenced by its 82 percent audience score on RT, reports the Mirror.

A Google review expressed delight: “Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching Gladiator 2, and it was a beautifully nostalgic experience that exceeded my expectations.

“The film pays respectful homage to the original while introducing fresh elements that remain true to its tone. It is grand, elegant, sophisticated, and noble – ultimately delivering a deeply satisfying cinematic experience.”

Another viewer hailed it as “A Five-Star Epic That Honors the Legacy” in their assessment.

Washington’s performance received particular acclaim, with the same fan noting: “Denzel Washington’s commanding presence elevates the film to new heights. His performance is nothing short of extraordinary, adding gravitas and a magnetic intensity to every scene.”

Yet another five-star review enthused: “Gladiator II is a breathtaking sequel that not only pays homage to its predecessor but also carves out its own legendary path in cinematic history.

“Directed by the visionary Ridley Scott, this film transcends the expectations set by the original and delivers an experience that is both emotionally resonant and visually stunning.”

The film has garnered a legion of ardent followers on the movie social media site Letterboxd, with one fan proclaiming: “I’m in complete awe at what I’ve just watched, a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling.

“It’s always such a true honour to witness a Sir Ridley Scott film on the big screen, you are always certain to be entertained through his pioneering work of modern cinema.

“The action sequences are brutal as we venture and return into the heart pounding, glorious and regimented Roman colosseum. This for sure lives up to the legacy of the predecessor.”

And another fan enthused: “Couldn’t think of a better thing to do than stare at a sweaty bloody Paul Mescal for two and a half hours, my time is well spent.”

Could a cinematic journey back to Ancient Rome be your perfect plan this week?

Gladiator II is available to stream on Paramount+.

A hidden crime thriller gem on Netflix is being recommended by fans for the same reason.

The movie Reptile initially landed on the streaming platform as an exclusive in 2023 but didn’t generate as much buzz as other headline-grabbing titles.

Given the vast array of content Netflix offers, it’s not shocking that Reptile enjoyed just a brief stint as one of the top films during its launch week.

As viewers exhaust the latest hot releases and scour their next binge-worthy find, this underrated flick emerges as a worthy contender for rediscovery.

The plot kicks off with the savage murder of a young property agent, thrusting a grizzled detective into a perplexing investigation that shatters illusions in both the case and his personal life.

Starring Oscar-winning Benicio del Toro alongside Alicia Silverstone, Michael Pitt, and Justin Timberlake, Reptile lurks as a sleeper hit two years post its release, reports Surrey Live.

Despite receiving lukewarm reviews from critics initially, the film has garnered a growing fanbase. A glowing testimony on Rotten Tomatoes simply reads: “Exceeded my expectations in every way.”

One fan expressed, “Very underrated and under-the-radar film. I don’t get the negative reviews. Del Toro is great and seeing Timberlake as a creep was nice. The plot twists and changes, and I appreciated how this movie kept the story moving vs a prolonged three hour slog that seems all too common these days.”

Another viewer boldly declared, “Reptile is a subtle masterpiece. It is a far cry from the 80s and 90s police dramas in which the lead detectives were tough talking, gun slinging vigilant characters (like Dirty Harry).”

Continuing their praise, they added, “Instead, the script gives us a realistic depiction of a middle-age police detective whose vulnerability has been amplified due to having a corrupt cop for a partner in the past. The entire cast gives strong performances, and the story keeps the audience intrigued to the very end.”

Even those with criticisms ultimately recommend the movie, particularly highlighting del Toro’s performance: “Benicio del Toro continues to remind us why he’s one cool customer and among our greatest actors.”

Echoing the sentiment, another viewer applauded, “(Benicio’s character) is my favourite screen cop in a long, long time.”

Meanwhile, despite recognizing some flaws, an additional comment read, “Reptile has several holes in the plot, but such a pleasure watching Benicio del Toro.”

Summing up the captivating nature of the film, a spectator added, “(The film is) endlessly fascinating. Benicio Del Toro gives one hell of a performance here.”

Reptile is streaming on Netflix.

There is an often overlooked Tom Hanks movie that has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score and is available to stream on Netflix. Tom Hanks has starred in more than 100 films throughout his lengthy career, with stand-outs being flicks like Forrest Gump, Sully and Cast Away. With so many popular films in his repertoire, it is not surprising that there are some amazing films that get overlooked by many fans.

One of those films, which is available for movie fans to watch on Netflix, is News of the World, which was released in 2020. News of the World is an historical drama that takes place shortly after the American Civil War. Hanks plays Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd who crosses paths with a 10-year-old girl taken by the Kiowa people. He agrees to escort the child across the harsh Texas lanscape to her aunt and uncle but their journey is met with dangerous turns.

The performances of Hanks and his co-stars were widely praised by critics and the film overall received positive reviews. However, in the busy list of Tom Hanks flicks available on streaming services, it goes largely overlooked.

News of the World currently has an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 88%. Overall, critics praised the acting and the storyline, while viewers shared similar sentiments.

One person wrote: “Beautiful in it’s ability to feel real. Amazing in it’s ability to share fear. Incredible in how it makes you love the characters. Immeasurable in it’s feel-good vibes… eventually… A remarkable story about remarkable people doing unremarkable things.”

Another shared: “I was born and raised in Colorado. This movie struck me as a brutally honest movie about survival. It is not a typically romantic Western. Instead, it tries to portray the struggles of all peoples to survive in a brutal environment. It is worth watching.”

A third wrote: “News of the World is slow, thoughtful, engaging, and devoid of big budget special effects. Its pacing represents its orientation, that is, its a story in that it occurs in the wide, untamed and uncivilized west, thus, it reveals itself only as the details of the story demand.

“If you allow the story to unfold, you are rewarded with a simple but meaningful narrative, emotionally compelling but predictable in some points of its plot. Refreshingly, however, the movie largely ignores the modern tropes of westerns, giving attention to details of the period and not forcing the movie to tell a modern story.”

News of the World has been listed among Tom Hanks’ most underrated flicks by a numebr of entertainment sites including CBR and Screen Rant.

Another viewer said: “I think this movie is very underrated. It’s a beautiful piece of cinema.”