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Rating: 
Summary: Surprisingly good little neo-noir
Review: Boasting a solid cast, The Settlement does not disappoint. The tale of two ambulance chasing insurance policy sharks--played with flair and edginess by the great John C. Reilly and William Fichtner--this is a sharp piece of filmmaking by writer-director Mark Seilen. In the 80s, their business--Viable Settlements--does so well that Jerry (Fichtner) buys a huge gaudy 8-bedroom house, about 90% of the space of which he doesn't need. He equates the trappings of his success with an obvious part of the male anatomy, for which there are numerous nicknames (he's fond of using one in particular).But in the 90s, their business--based on cashing in on terminally ill patients--goes bust. Into their lives comes Barbara, an astoundingly sexy femme fatale, played to the hilt by Kelly McGillis. She claims to have an inoperable brain tumor that will result in her death in only three months, the payoff for which is a big fat two mil. All she wants up front is a quarter of that. Being down--WAY down--on their luck, the boys come up with the money through decidedly illicit means. The twists and turns, while not really unexpected, are fun to watch, and the actors all do a great job, relishing their noir roles with real gusto. Along for the ride as well are David Rasche as an arrogant surgeon, Dan Castellaneta (remember him from all those Fox TV shows?) as a grateful customer, and Stuart Pankin as a helpful attorney. While noticeably obscure, this is nevertheless a fun film and not a time-waster at all.
Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly good little neo-noir
Review: Boasting a solid cast, The Settlement does not disappoint. The tale of two ambulance chasing insurance policy sharks--played with flair and edginess by the great John C. Reilly and William Fichtner--this is a sharp piece of filmmaking by writer-director Mark Seilen. In the 80s, their business--Viable Settlements--does so well that Jerry (Fichtner) buys a huge gaudy 8-bedroom house, about 90% of the space of which he doesn't need. He equates the trappings of his success with an obvious part of the male anatomy, for which there are numerous nicknames (he's fond of using one in particular). But in the 90s, their business--based on cashing in on terminally ill patients--goes bust. Into their lives comes Barbara, an astoundingly sexy femme fatale, played to the hilt by Kelly McGillis. She claims to have an inoperable brain tumor that will result in her death in only three months, the payoff for which is a big fat two mil. All she wants up front is a quarter of that. Being down--WAY down--on their luck, the boys come up with the money through decidedly illicit means. The twists and turns, while not really unexpected, are fun to watch, and the actors all do a great job, relishing their noir roles with real gusto. Along for the ride as well are David Rasche as an arrogant surgeon, Dan Castellaneta (remember him from all those Fox TV shows?) as a grateful customer, and Stuart Pankin as a helpful attorney. While noticeably obscure, this is nevertheless a fun film and not a time-waster at all.
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