Val Kilmer in "Spartan"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
"Val Kilmer Is Back"

Val Kilmer is one of the most underrated and under appreciated actors in Hollywood. He is consistently good in his roles but they often are in movies that don't get the recognition or the big bucks. His last big movie was "Batman Forever" and that was in 1995. Since then he has chosen offbeat movies that give him a chance to perfect his talent but are relegated to video or art houses.

"Spartan" is the new David Mamet film that is now out on video. It had a brief theatrical release but few people saw it there. Luckily we have videos and DVD's where the "missed" movies can be found. And this one is worth finding.

Kilmer plays Scott, a military officer who is assigned the task of looking into the disappearance of Laura Newton, the daughter of a highly placed government official. He and his partner Curtis (Derek Luke) throw themselves into finding the girl and getting her safely returned. But there are forces on top of forces that don't want this to happen.

The plot is an intricate one full of government intrigue and murky subplots. Still it is fascinating to see Kilmer and Luke weave their way through the barriers in their attempt to find the truth. It is also amazing entertainment to hear them speak the dialogue for which Mamet is so famous.

In addition to Kilmer and Luke, the cast also includes William H Macy, Ed O'Neill and Steven Culp. They add their own talents into the mix and make the film pop with brisk acting and eerie evil. 

If you want to watch a film that is out of the ordinary then "Spartan" is the movie for you. Make sure you don't overlook this jewel of a film. David Mamet is a brilliant writer/director. Team him with an actor as charismatic as Kilmer and you have solid dramatic entertainment.

An equally brilliant comedy is "Fifty First Dates." This fun for all film stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, and has more depth than expected though that does not get in the way of the laughs. You get to laugh and think at the same time. Wow, what a concept!

Sandler has broken through as one of the great actor/comics working today. His "Punch Drunk Love" was a masterpiece of cleverness, and now this film takes his star power to new levels. And in Barrymore he has found his perfect movie mate.

She plays a woman with short-term memory loss. She meets Sandler's character, they click and make plans for their next date. But when he sees her again she doesn't know who he is. So every date is a first date. What a premise! And it is handled with taste and skill.

I loved "Fifty First Dates" and think you will too. Pick it up at your video rental store today and have a great evening watching Drew and Adam fall in love over and over again.

If that isn't enough great video news for you, I have another treat. It is titled "The Station Agent" and it may be the best of the bunch. Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale star in this simple story of love and friendship.

The story concerns a dwarf, or little person (Dinklage), who inherits a train station. He goes and lives in the station hoping for isolation but two people (Clarkson and Cannavale) descend on him demanding friendship.

The evolution of these friendships is the heart of the film, and what a heart it is. It is much better, much more entertaining, than I can describe. So just take my word for it, "The Station Agent" is a movie that should not be missed. Get it and watch it!

There should be a crowd lining up to rent/buy "Nip/Tuck: The Complete First Season." This series on the FX Channel has proven to be immensely popular/controversial. Even if you haven't watched it, you have no doubt heard about it.

The series, about plastic surgery, stars Julian McMahon, Dylan Walsh and Joely Richardson. It tells about the lives of the doctors, their families, as well as the patients and their families. It all interweaves and stuns.

With so many makeover series on TV these days, it is no wonder this "behind the scenes" look is so popular as a series. Plus the acting, the scripts and the overall look of the show are inviting. So get caught up on what is happening on TV that you aren't watching. The whole first season of this dynamite show is waiting for you. Just set aside the time and watch.

Finally there is "Teacher's Pet," a wretchedly drawn animated series which is only bearable due to the vocal talents of Kelsey Grammer and Nathan Lane. They manage to infuse some interest into this story of a boy and his dog. The dog wants to be a real boy and shades of Pinocchio, he gets his chance. Yawn!

Kids might enjoy it but adults will be bored to tears. This is not the kind of animated film that all can enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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