Setup (2011)

Directed by: Mike Gunther | 80 minutes | action, drama, crime | Actors: Bruce Willis, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Ryan Philippe, James Remar, 50 Cent, Randy Couture, Will Yun Lee, Susie Abromeit, Jay Kames, Shaun Toub, Ambyr Childers, Jordan Trovillion, Omar J. Dorsey, Brett Granstaff, Richard Goteri, Rory Markham, Theo Kypric

In ‘Setup’ let’s keep everything in its proper perspective. The accompanying text speaks of: “A thrilling crime thriller in the tradition of ‘Heat’ and ‘The Town’.” Unfortunately. ‘Heat’ was brilliant and ‘The Town’ was also very enjoyable. But ‘Setup’? No, if you dare to have rapper Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent turn up in one of the lead roles, you already know that the credibility is going to take a big dent.

Curtis (as Sonny) may be trying very hard, but it’s all very messy what the man does. His emotional span can be compared to the eyebrow acting of good old Roger ‘James Bond’ Moore. But at least with the last one, you knew he wasn’t taking himself too seriously.

We arrive at our other protagonist, Ryan Phillippe (as tough guy Vincent Long). Due to the bad script, he also does not rise above average. Ryan has to be careful. A few more of these misses and his once promising acting potential disappears like snow in the sun. Fortunately, there is something to enjoy the performance of Bruce Willis. Bruce always delivers! It must also be said that he can spoon up the nicest lyrics. Too bad we only see him in about a quarter of the movie. Maybe he got paid by the minute, ‘Setup’ cost a whopping 22 million to make. Most of that went to the actors. Unfortunately, because that left little production money to give the film momentum and action. All we get is a poor car crash, a super badly designed shoot-out, a fight in a flat and a chase on foot (!).

Anyway, ‘Setup’ revolves around three sworn friends, Dave, Vincent and Sonny, who steal five million in diamonds. After the job, Vincent suddenly opens fire on his mates. Dave lets live. Sonny survives and vows revenge. In the search for Vincent and his rightful share, a hit man and a mobster (Willis as Mr. Biggs) cross Sonny’s path. They also have an interest in Vincent being found. All in all, it just doesn’t want to get tough. With intertitles like ‘The Hitman’ and ‘The Butcher’, director Mike Gunther tries to rival Guy Ritchie (‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’). In vain.

‘Setup’ lacks real quality. Texts to cry at, cardboard characters, faker than fake tattoos and the much-needed clichés (the grieving widow and the teddy bear filled with money as compensation). Vincent’s betrayal has a reason, it turns out. In between, Sonny struggles with his conscience. That is why we regularly see him in the pews. That gives the minister on duty leeway to spout obligatory texts. An ‘eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth’ story that literally fizzles out. Next time with a little more power, Curtis, ’cause this isn’t really getting along. ‘Setup’ is to sit out, but only if you really have nothing else to do. Half an hour after the end, this movie has already disappeared from your mind…