Spartan

When the President’s daughter (Kristen Bell) goes missing, special ops veteran Bobby Scott (Val Kilmer) assembles a team and launches a covert mission to get her back before the press finds out she’s gone. His quest includes twists, turns, travails and apparent failure, but nothing is as over as it seems.

Renowned for snappy banter and colorful con capers, David Mamet goes off the reservation with this slippery political thriller. Mamet’s approach here is minimalist and spare, hence the title (references to King Leonidas’ policy of sending one soldier to a country in need are also scattered throughout). This pared-down approach, coupled with occasional flourishes of ominous music and a quick pace, give Spartan plenty of tension. The initial premise may be simple, but there are enough twists and turns here to sustain the suspense for a good while.

Unfortunately, Spartan’s tone is all wrong. The unrelenting cynicism gives the film a nice edge, but it takes itself far too seriously for its own good. Numerous films (No Country For Old Men comes to mind) have shown us it is possible to churn out a tense thriller without sacrificing moments of levity.

The acting also leaves a lot to be desired. In trying to project “stoic tough guy,” Kilmer comes off as flat and wooden. Denzel Washington handled a similar role much better in Man on Fire. Bell is squandered in a grating, thankless role and the other names in the cast (Derek Luke, William H. Macy) aren’t given much to do.

Spartan is an interesting departure for Mamet and it has the trappings of an edgy, thought-provoking thriller. Unfortunately, it lacks both the craftsmanship and the talent to make it anything more than passable entertainment.

6.5/10