A Score to Settle


A Score to Settle is a 2019 American action-thriller film directed by Shawn Ku. It stars Nicolas Cage and Benjamin Bratt. It was released on August 2, 2019, by RLJE Films.

Plot

An ex-enforcer for a local crime syndicate has vowed to enact retribution on his mob bosses after 19 years of wrongful imprisonment. The only thing diverting him from his violent plans is a newfound relationship with his son.

Cast

Filming locations are in British Columbia, Canada. Cage learned to play piano for his role in the film.

Release

In April 2019, RLJE Films acquired distribution rights to the film and set it for an August 2, 2019, release.

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 15% based on 20 reviews, with an average rating of 3.8/10. Metacritic gave the film a weighted average rating of 37 out of 100, based on six reviews, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".
Justin Lowe of The Hollywood Reporter called the film "forgettable" and "underwhelming", and said: "Ku shows a decent grasp of plot mechanics, but never manages to adequately develop the characters or effectively modulate the film’s pacing, even in the brief action scenes, which prove too tame by typical Cage standards." Noel Murray from Los Angeles Times similarly criticized the plot, action sequences, and development of underworld characters. However, he praised Cage's performance, writing: "With him, the movie isn’t just watchable, it’s occasionally riveting.... Cage plays even the blandest pulp material with soul and gusto, as though the pathetic grudges of a petty criminal were the stuff of epic drama".
Sean Boelman of Popaxiom gave the film a mixed rating of 2.6/5, writing that: "A Score to Settle is a ton of fun for what it is. If you come in expecting a masterpiece, you will surely be disappointed. However, if you want a schlocky action movie featuring the always entertaining Nicolas Cage, this movie is definitely worth the rental fee".