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Spartan

Play trailer Poster for Spartan R,  2004,  1h 47m,  Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Stream Now Watchlist 66% 131 Reviews Tomatometer 62% 10,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
66% Tomatometer 131 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
When the president's daughter, Laura Newton (Kristen Bell), is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring, high-ranking Secret Service agent Robert Scott (Val Kilmer) takes on the case. With the assistance of his protégé, Curtis (Derek Luke), Robert begins investigating, but the operation is called off when Laura is reported dead. However, Robert and Curtis, who have discovered evidence to the contrary, continue their search, and soon find evidence of an elaborate government cover-up.
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Spartan

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Critics Consensus

A good cast and Mamet's mastery over the written language elevate an otherwise conventional thriller.

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Critics Reviews

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 28, 2010
2/5
Very violent movie ultimately just falls apart. Go to Full Review
Nick Schager Lessons of Darkness May 4, 2005
C+
Barely memorable. Go to Full Review
Peter Rainer New York Magazine/Vulture Aug 7, 2004
The real violence, as is always the case with Mamet, lies not in the mayhem but in the thrusting rhythms of the dialogue. Go to Full Review
Joshua Starnes ComingSoon.net Mar 30, 2011
8/10
He'll always be writer first, but for a relentless entertainment with actual with wit and soul, Spartan may just be the best thing David Mamet has done, certainly the best he has directed. Go to Full Review
Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009
A very well characterized thriller... Go to Full Review
Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review Aug 7, 2008
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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Albus P Nov 6, 2017 Uneven but riveting espionage/action film. I like Mamet's writing, and seeing him tackle a film that's less a mystery/crime flick and a straight up "time is running out" suspense thriller is enjoyable. Features some of the core Mamet Company of supporting actors. Worth seeing at least once. See more
Hagrid L Jul 18, 2017 Seemed like a B movie to me.
Poe W Mar 23, 2017 "Spartan" is a brilliant thriller that unfolds more and as it goes on. It peels off the layers like and onion and there is always another surprise around the corner. The writer doesn't feel the need to introduce the characters and jumps right into action and that is a refreshing change. The dialogue is very well thought out and more extensive than the usual one liners that is what makes this triller so unique. The absence of catchphrases or worn out lines makes the dialogue and atmosphere feel more tens and perfectly fits the movies overall theme. Val Kilmer shows one of the best performances of his career a total badass. Macy and Bell also deliver solid performances. The directing is very good and is different than in other thrillers. Rather than trying to lay focus on the characters Mamet lays focus on the plot and lets the actors do their thing which helps the plot unfold so much better and the characters to bloom. He does this with great camera work. There are some great long shots that just raise the tension and excitement. There are also many hidden details in this movie that can give the viewer a clue about the proceedings in the story and pull the viewer even more into the story. In conclusion we can say that we have a very unconventional yet brilliant thriller that excites from start to end and makes the viewer feel at home. See more
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Spartan

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis When the president's daughter, Laura Newton (Kristen Bell), is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring, high-ranking Secret Service agent Robert Scott (Val Kilmer) takes on the case. With the assistance of his protégé, Curtis (Derek Luke), Robert begins investigating, but the operation is called off when Laura is reported dead. However, Robert and Curtis, who have discovered evidence to the contrary, continue their search, and soon find evidence of an elaborate government cover-up.
Director
David Mamet
Producer
Moshe Diamant, Elie Samaha
Screenwriter
David Mamet
Distributor
Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Franchise Pictures
Rating
R (Violence|Language)
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 31, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.4M
Runtime
1h 47m
Sound Mix
SDDS, Dolby SRD, DTS, Surround
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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