“Greed is good” – Gordon Gekko

Ordinarily, that mantra may be conveniently true. However, in the case of the Montgomery family, that is a complete (and deadly) misconception.  

A View to Die For, eerily introduces the elder Montgomery couple at the boat dock of their sprawling Gulf Shores’ mansion in Alabama. They appear to be in love, feeble (Mr. Montgomery is wheelchair bound) and on a mission to complete their “possible” suicide pact.  

With their abrupt removal from the family fortune, their kin gather at the property a year later to hear the reading of the infamous will which becomes the ultimate source of animosity, sending the entire group into a tailspin of vicious voracity. When only one of the two adult daughters is named as the beneficiary, the husbands and the birthed spawns…sorry…kids…lose sight of everything except the money.  

Detective Pete (cleverly portrayed by Bojesse Christopher) doesn’t hide his feelings for former flame and dismissed sister, Ann once her repugnant partner Thomas, is knocked off due to the indulgence of wealth. Pete shares his plan of corruption with undercover cop Tony (a very suave and sarcastic Robert LaSardo) who warns his buddy of the penalty if his deceit is discovered.  

Unfortunately for him and the others, no one is safe in this scheming thriller, complete with drugs, alcohol, incest and an incredible expanding body count. Trust and betrayal vanish, secrets are exposed, and the dirty laundry leaves the foulest of odors behind the bloodshed.  

With a simple goal lingering (who will be the last man standing?), the unneeded oddities become confusing and nonessential. Attorney Walter Black (a most unusual use of Eric Roberts) stutters his way through the well-attended testament reading to perhaps misguide us for the unexpected turn of events. However, it’s more reminiscent of Roberts’ “Stalked by my Doctor” series than a straightforward and easy request. Why overcomplicate the uncomplicated?  

Through delightful renditions of classic rock (Into the Mystic, Paint it Black, House of the Rising Sun and L.A. Woman), there are moments of clarity when faced with the cold-hearted heir who sends orders to force a low-ball agreement or risk your life against a brutish Gen Z’er, tripping out on molly. It may sound comical, but it’s a barbaric predicament when it involves over $100 million. Personally, I’d have negotiated a cool $1M and been on my way.