Derek is a man who can do big things for big people, and one night he meets with a politician who wants to become the next president. With a lot of money at hand, Derek begins fixing operations for Derek and investigating his rivals. The only catch this time is that Derek has his son Damon alongside him and is showing him the business of getting to know people, and not trusting anyone. Zachary Halfter’s “Solutions” is a fine movie that mixes “Roger Dodger” with “The Sting” in that it’s about a teacher imparting some tough lessons on an apprentice.
With more meat to the story and a bigger budget, “Solutions” might end up being really good in the end. I like the concept of “Solutions” and love where Halfter’s head is in regards to chronicling the practices of a slimy fixer who helps slimy politicians. I just wish “Solutions” had a lot more tension and wit to offer. “Solutions” is a fast moving film that mixes noir, crime, and slick dialogue along with two pretty engaging characters, but never settles down enough to let us know the characters more. Why is our main character teaching his son the ropes of his profession, again? Is he dying?
Is it a rite of passage or something he feels his son needs to survive in his world? The tone of the film itself never matches the narrative, and often times I was distracted by the odd editing and unusual frame device that ensues. While “Solutions” works on a narrative that reaches a fever pitch and then ends on what I assume is a twist, or a “Gotcha” final scene, I was never quite sure what that final scene indicated. I’m sure it has something to do with a comeuppance of some kind, but the somewhat half hearted editing and mismatched frame device left me more confused than tantalized. Halfter’s “Solutions” needs a lot of work, but as is, it’s an okay enough drama carried by the strong performances by the whole cast.