Spartan

2004, Mystery & thriller, 1h 47m

134 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

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

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Spartan Photos

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Movie Info

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.
  • Rating:
    R (Violence|Language)
  • Genre:
    Mystery & thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    David Mamet
  • Producer:
    Moshe Diamant, Elie Samaha
  • Writer:
    David Mamet
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $4.4M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    SDDS, Dolby SRD, DTS, Surround
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Scope (2.35:1)

Cast & Crew

Val Kilmer
Scott
Derek Luke
Curtis
William H. Macy
Stoddard
Ed O'Neill
Burch
Kristen Bell
Laura Newton
Said Taghmaoui
Tariq Asani
Linda Kimbrough
Donny
Tia Texada
Jackie Black
David Mamet
Director
David Mamet
Writer
James Holt
Executive Producer
Frank Hübner
Executive Producer
Tracee Stanley Newell
Executive Producer
Moshe Diamant
Producer
Elie Samaha
Producer
Jan Fantl
Co-Producer
Mark Isham
Original Music
Juan Ruiz Anchía
Cinematography
Barbara Tulliver
Film Editing
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Spartan

All Critics (134) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (87) | Rotten (47)
Full Review… Nell Minow Common Sense Media Full Review… Nick Schager Lessons of Darkness Full Review… Peter Rainer New York Magazine/Vulture Full Review… Stella Papamichael BBC.com Full Review… Andrew Sarris Observer Full Review… Stephanie Zacharek Salon.com Full Review… Joshua Starnes ComingSoon.net Full Review… Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Full Review… Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review Full Review… Prairie Miller WBAI Web Radio Full Review… Russ Breimeier Christianity Today Full Review… Bill Clark FromTheBalcony
View All Critic Reviews (134)

Audience Reviews for Spartan

  • Mar 22, 2014
    From writer/director David Mamet comes the political thriller Spartan. When the daughter of an American politician is kidnapped the secret service calls in black ops specialist Robert Scott to find her. Starring Val Kilmer, William H. Macy, Ed O'Neill, and Kristen Bell, the film has an impressive cast. And, Mamet does an excellent job at creating tension and suspense. However, there's a certain ambiguity to the plot that muddies things up a bit. While it has some weaknesses, Spartan is still a smart thriller that's full of excitement and intrigue.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Oct 16, 2013
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]
    Directors C Super Reviewer
  • Jun 30, 2011
    David Mamet creates films that continue to twist and turn but that's the fun of he's films. Spartan isn't for everyone but I loved the story and the character val Kilmer created. The plot is so intricate and weaving you really don't know where it is heading. Mamet has smart dialogue which to most people will come across corny to the unknown of he's work. You never really know what the case is for the best part of the film. The idea of a character questioning orders for the first time is nothing new but Kilmer has a character so bent on the truth he uncovers something much deeper. These type of films reward the viewer with a story and character creation. The depth may throw a lot of people away but if you stick with the film it's rewarding. The ending is just amazing
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Jul 08, 2010
    This movie makes you realize how shitty of an actor Val Kilmer is.
    matt s Super Reviewer
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