Spartan – Review

Opening in the midst of a Delta Force selection op, the viewer is thrust deep into the military world and has to pay attention to keep up with the plot. Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert Scott (Kilmer) gives quick advice to a few marines before taking off for home.

Heading to his farm home he is quickly stopped by a helicopter coming in with an immediate recruitment: a high priority political figure is missing. A task force has formed, and a ticking clock has hit. The target absolutely must be found, and immediately.

Scott is paired up with one of the Delta Force new recruits Curtis (Luke), and the pair sets off to face impossible odds and extremely limited timing and reach their mark before any damage is done. With a task force at his back, join this master as he goes to investigative work.

This mystery and military procedural film is absolutely fantastic. The pacing is excellent and the viewer absolutely must pay attention and immediately to have a good chance of following the story and tensions that go with it.

The intelligent script burns with mystery and suspense, with one glued to the screen wanting to understand just what is going on, and what is at stake. When that is revealed, the movie’s pace does not slow down for one moment, instead kicking into another gear. What do they do when they realize who they took?

The acting is very good and the cast rises to the occasion. The script by Mamet is both well potted and dynamically written, giving its characters memorable dialogue. Scott has a strange cadence when talking to most suspects, with the wording and delivery seeming quite odd or even funny at first, however it is quite deliberate and designed to keep targets confused and off kilter.

For me, this movie absolutely works on pretty much every level. People looking for extra sharp thrillers, or strong military plots should be pleased with this excellent flick. Keep your mouth shut and form on me.