Spartan

Cast: Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, William H. Macy, Kristen Bell, Tia Texada
Director: David Mamet
Writer: David Mamet
Genre: Thriller/Action/Crime
Rated: M 15+ medium level violence, medium level coarse language
Running Time: 105 Minutes

She's Missing

Synopsis:
Robert Scott (VAL KILMER) is a career military officer working for 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 President's college-age daughter, 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 Curtis 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 Curtis' naiveté and the political ambitions of those in high places - like Burch (ED O'NEILL) and Stoddard (WILLIAM H. MACY), political operatives who may know more than they're telling about the circumstances surrounding Laura's abduction. Scott and Curtis are on the brink of tracking Laura's whereabouts when their clandestine mission comes to an abrupt conclusion as the media issues reports of the girl's death.

Scott returns to the quiet life as a rural landowner and awaits his next assignment in relative peace. But Curtis can't rest. He seeks out Scott to confide his belief that Laura is alive. If she is, their continued unofficial investigation will put them - as well as Laura - at the centre of a dangerous conspiracy that reaches the highest levels.

My Verdict:
David Mamet, who wrote and directed 'Spartan', has a distinctive writing style, which he once again utilises so fully in this movie. Initially, the story is a mystery, but it slowly unfolds where we find Val Kilmer as Robert Scott delivering taut, sharp, rigid, short, even stiff lines, most of these with power and depth and covered with the distinguishing Mamet qualities. This is Val's movie and he has taken it on and produced an excellent character study. He is the hero or anti-hero as he pursues diligence to his work ethic by continuing to seek the missing girl, even after she is declared dead. Thus he becomes a Spartan - in this case the lone soldier who is extremely disciplined, austere, serious in approach and rigid in dedication. It is so fascinating to watch the character, more so because of Kilmer's commitment to the role. He just nailed it.

There are the obligatory tense scenes, the occasional shocks and the surprise elements bound together to produce a quality thriller. Political intrigue abounds with dodgy characters hidden amongst. Just who is pulling the strings always remains in question and keeps the momentum rolling. The ever-brilliant William H. Macy has a too-small role, where his character, Stoddard, is obviously up to something and Ed O'Neill as the aspiring leader is also not to be trusted. The only person that Scott seems to eventually want to trust is Curtis, played by Derek Luke. Curtis wants to be the best and has decided that Scott is to be his role model. They make a great pair.

Ultimately, Scott's determination to fulfil his duty will be his downfall, but not after some serious undercover work and some tense moments. In addition to finding the missing girl, there is the side issue of the slavery ring, which further adds to the intrigue. 'Spartan' is a terrific political thriller with Kilmer hitting all the right notes and pulling all the right punches.

Rating : B+

Christina Bruce