Spartan

REVIEW
An undercover operative is partnered with a rookie in an effort to locate the U.S. President's daughter, who was kidnapped while at college. A high-concept idea is given interesting, low-key treatment by Mamet. Despite the hook, Spartan takes a bit of time to warm up to. Kilmer's character is initially (and intentionally) off-putting, and the dialogue and performances are even more terse and clipped than usual for Mamet (Kilmer shows a knack for the Mamet style, luckily). But several intriguing twists — and the eventual thawing of Kilmer's ice-cold bastard — draw you in, and Spartan ends up being a slight yet satisfying thriller. Mamet even displays a surprising talent for directing action scenes. With strong support by Mamet alumni Macy and O'Neill.