A Score to Settle
Performance & Direction: A Score to Settle Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Score to Settle (2019) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Score to Settle features a noteworthy lineup led by Nicolas Cage . Supported by the likes of Noah Le Gros and Karolina Wydra , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of A Score to Settle (2019) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: A Score to Settle
Quick Plot Summary: A Score to Settle is a Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. A former mob enforcer who is released from prison after serving 22 years for a crime he didn't commit sets out on a path for revenge against the people who wronged him. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: A Score to Settle
Ending Breakdown: A Score to Settle attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of A Score to Settle reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
A Score to Settle Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
A Score to Settle incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: A Score to Settle adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch A Score to Settle?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: A Score to Settle
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch A Score to Settle Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeA Score to Settle Parents Guide & Age Rating
2019 AdvisoryWondering about A Score to Settle age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Score to Settle is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, A Score to Settle is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2019 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Score to Settle worth watching?
A Score to Settle is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Score to Settle parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Score to Settle identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of A Score to Settle?
The total duration of A Score to Settle is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.
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Critic Reviews for A Score to Settle
Now this was pretty bad, but I was prepared for **way** worse. Honestly if we could have increased the factor of crime a little, and decreased the factor of truly terrible music a **lot**, _A Score to Settle_ might have full-on crossed the line into being actually good. _Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
That poster makes it look way more crazy that it actually is, I gotta say. 'A Score to Settle' isn't one I'd personally recommend. It does attempt to portray some interesting things with the lead character, though all in all it is quite meekly done and doesn't quite come out right; in my opinion, of course. Nicolas Cage is at least a good screen presence, naturally. He is the only plus point I have for this film. The rest of the cast aren't the best, they are all rather disappointing in fact - no-one behind Cage sticks in my memory. The biggest negative I have for this movie, though, is the lack of entertainment. For an "action thriller" built on a revenge storyline, barely anything happens until the very end - and even then, it's quite underwhelming. There are far better productions from this genre and from this lead actor out there, no doubt about it.
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This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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