Although the film falls short of the heights achieved by its predecessor, it is nevertheless a serviceable swords-and-sandals adventure.

This adaptation of the stage musical gives us eye-popping settings, big-screen expansions of Broadway numbers, and far too much stretching of an already-thin narrative.

Does not do much right - it is too violent and profane for younger kids and too juvenile for adults.

Will resonate most strongly with movie-goers who do not mind films in which conflict is internalized and where human interaction – simple, vivid, and unforced – takes center stage.