Spartan goes beyond the Secret Service, beyond the CIA, and beyond Black OPS in this thriller written and directed by David Mamet (Wag the Dog, Hannibal, Glengarry Glen Ross). Val Kilmer (The Missing) gives a very somber and secretive performance as Scott, a secret agent working against all other underground organizations in an operation designed to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a high government official before the story leaks. And who suspect her dad of being involved in the disappearance?

Scott teams up with fellow agents Curtis (Derek Luke) and Tia (Jackie Black). The story is a road-trip of undercover operations, some a tad confusing at times, but all part of the intrigue of this thriller. Things heat up as Scott races against the clock to save the girl, which involves going to a Middle-Eastern country where women are put into sexual slavery.

William H. Macy shows up as a head agent who doesn’t see things exactly as Scott does, and fearing he may jeopardize his assignment, orders Scott’s demise. Unfortunately Macy’s role is too small to highlight his amazing acting talent.

There are many twists and turns that will thrill fans of this genre. The DVD features a trailer as well as Val Kilmer doing a full-length commentary about how he became involved in the film, some enlightening aspects concerning actors who appear in the movie with him, his thoughts on David Mamet, and other interesting elements that enhance the film.

(Released by Warner Home Video and rated “R” for violence and language.)