The main problem is that the narrative is evasive...; we can't trust Mamet as a storyteller!
Spartan (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:129
Fresh:82
Rotten:47
Average Rating:6.5/10
Consensus: A good cast and Mamet's mastery over the written language elevate an otherwise conventional thriller.
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Robert Scott (VAL KILMER) is a career military officer working in a highly secretive special operations force. A man hardened by years of brutal service, he is respected by his peers and elders in... Robert Scott (VAL KILMER) is a career military officer working in a highly secretive special operations force. A man hardened by years of brutal service, he is respected by his peers and elders in the world of espionage. When Scott is recruited to find Laura Newton (KRISTEN BELL), the daughter of a high-ranking government official, he is paired with novice Curtis (DEREK LUKE), who becomes his protégé. Working with a special task force comprised of Presidential Advisors, the Secret Service, FBI and CIA, Scott and Derek stumble upon a white slavery ring, which may have some connection to Laura’s disappearance. As the story unfolds, the straightforward search-and-rescue mission becomes complicated by the political ambitions of those in high places – like Stoddard (WILLIAM H. MACY), a political operative who may know more than he’s telling about the clandestine circumstances surrounding Laura’s abduction. Scott and Curtis are at the brink of tracking Laura’s whereabouts when the mission comes to an abrupt conclusion, with the media issuing reports of the girl’s death. Scott returns to the quiet life of landowner in a rural location and awaits his next assignment in relative peace. But Curtis can’t rest. In his naiveté, he seeks out Scott to confide his belief that Laura is in fact alive. If she is, their continued unofficial investigation will put them as well as Laura at the center of a dangerous conspiracy that reaches the highest levels. Franchise Pictures presents Spartan, a political thriller written and directed by DAVID MAMET and starring VAL KILMER, DEREK LUKE, ED O’NEILL and WILLIAM H. MACY. Spartan is produced by ART LINSON, MOSHE DIAMANT and ELIE SAMAHA, and executive produced by FRANK HUBNER. The director of photography is JUAN RUIZ ANCHIA; the production designer is GEMMA JACKSON; and the editor BARBARA TULLIVER. Spartan will distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. -- © Warner Bros. [More]
Starring: Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, William H. Macy, Tia Texada
Starring: Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, William H. Macy, Tia Texada, Kristen Bell, Ed O'Neill
Director: David Mamet
Director: David Mamet
Screenwriter: David Mamet
Producer: Moshe Diamant, Art Linson, Elie Samaha
Composer: Mark Isham
Studio: Warner Bros.
Reviews for Spartan
Famed for his way with words, it's as if Mamet has tried to outdo himself here, but without the trademark humour that might've lifted this otherwise constipated Tom Clancy knock-off.
Though the plot may be more or less generic, this is different from the average Hollywood thriller, thanks to a combination of Mamet’s script and direction and Kilmer’s confident performance.
Kilmer is back in a taut thriller and Mamet uses him to full advantage.
Mamet's most solid and exciting original work since perhaps Homicide.
By despairing of the military or intelligence communities rather than heroizing them, Mamet is quietly bucking the system.
... the mechanics are contrived (but Mamet's) crisp dialogue, and Kilmer's underplayed intensity, gives the film an engaging gravitas.
The odd thing is that Spartan, despite its lofty goals, is no more convincing than a Schwarzenegger or Stallone action flick.
A political thriller with topical currency, Spartan delivers the goods.
An entertainingly over-the-top tale of good, evil, sex, and betrayal.
Spartan is Tom Clancy without the pop-literature pretense. It's 24 for those who like more of a cerebral challenge.
As a thriller, Spartan will hold your attention, but unfortunately writer/director's David Mamet's style doesn't fit well in this milieu.
The ending is somewhat soggy, but until that point, Spartan is a graceful exercise in fear and loathing.
It's commercial, intense, violent and energetic. All you need to do is stand up to Mamet's verbal bullets.
Spartan is a cautionary tale that will appeal to those who have had enough of the unreality concocted by Washington handlers and political power players.
...in this case the pulp has been so hard-boiled, winnowed down and leather-treated, there's nothing left on-screen but muscle.
Latest News for Spartan
October 26, 2006:
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June 06, 2005:
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March 30, 2005:
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