Spartan is the story of Robert Scott (Kilmer) a hardened military man that is enlisted to help find the missing Laura Newton (Bell), the daughter of a high ranking US official, presumably the President. During Scott’s search, characters lie and deceive, while conspiracies abound. Spartan‘s plot twists and turns leave you never knowing what’s coming next, action is the name of the game in this fast moving thriller.
Will Scott save the girl and complete his mission?
As Robert Scott, Kilmer really impressed me by playing a character that is tough as nails, smart and focused. His emotions are separated from his decisions, he has a job to do and he does it. Using quick thinking and fast action Robert Scott tries to uncover the truth of what has happened to the missing Laura Newton. This is not your average cop thriller as Scott leaves his emotions at the door, separate from his decisions as he is good at what he does and takes orders and executes them.
This is true of the other characters as well, they all come across very sharp and prepared for all of the twists and turns that occur, keeping the movie steaming ahead. Case in point are the characters played by William H. Macy and Ed O’Neil both play senior Government officials enlisted in the hunt to try and find Laura Newton, both carry out strong roles as the men calling the shots in this race against time.
Another bonus was the pacing of the film as it keeps you guessing and interested. Its plotline changes just as fast as the scenery and once it got going, it never stopped.
With those things said, the movie does have some faults. At points, the scenarios are too far fetched and the proposed conspiracies are beyond belief. This of course causes the characters to do things that are also out of the bounds of believability, for instance when the president’s advisors are in control of all his decisions, including those concerning his missing daughter, you begin to wonder if the movie has lost its touch with reality.
Spartan also forced itself into a corner, and, unfortunately, the only way out was a little absurd. I know, we are supposed to allow for some artistic license, but this movie really pushes it.
Spartan is not great, but if you want to see a thrilling movie that keeps you guessing, then this is a good choice.
