Movie Review – Set It Up

Set It Up is a 2018 American romantic comedy film directed by Claire Scanlon, written by Katie Silberman, and starring Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Taye Diggs and Lucy Liu. The plot follows two overworked assistants who try to set up their demanding bosses on dates in New York City. The film was released on June 15, 2018, by Netflix.

Directed by: Claire Scanlon

Written by: Katie Silberman

Actors: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs

Year: 2018

MPAA Rating: TV-14

https://www.netflix.com/title/80184100

Review by Emma Patterson

Another Sappy Romance Film

With a modern-day setting, young actors, and a hint of romance, this seems like a great movie to watch to hit those lovey-dovey feelings, but only about 10 minutes in and I knew this was going to be another cheesy, predictable, over-the-top dramatic film about yet another modern-day romance.

Two, young aspiring employees, are shown to be absolutely miserable as they work for their big, hotshot employers. Coincidently Harper, played by Zoey Deutch, and Charlie, played by Glen Powell, seem to run into each other where they instantly clash heads. I could almost feel the hatred and tension through the screen. Though these two quickly become friends, this is definitely something more.  Plotting to set up their bosses so these vibrant young adults can be “free” and actually live their lives like most people in their 20’s. Going to crazy extremes, working with so many people, and completely being the “men behind the scenes”, Charlie and Harper quickly find success in their drawn up fantasy.

As Kirsten, played by Liu, and Rick, played by Diggs, seem to hit it off immediately, life becomes a whole lot better for everyone, but with every plot in a movie, something has to go wrong. Do these two love birds really love each other, or are they just in love with the idea of being together, because who really knows what love is these days. With lots of raw humor, twists and turns, I found myself both rolling my eyes out of annoyance, but at the same time falling in love with the actors and characters they are portraying.

The actors of this film were surprisingly good, for not having big names in the industry. The actors brought something more to the already cheesy movie, that seemed to make it just a little less of a “roll your eyes” type of movie. The women in this movie did a fantastic job, reversing the stereotypes we have on women today. Deutch, playing a corky, young, the aspiring writer was just about perfect, everything she said or did had me silently chuckling to myself, wanting to share the humorous lines with my friends. Bravo, Deutch for making pizza seem like the best meal to eat in any situation. Liu played a powerful businesswoman, who just made me want to be successful, to be able to show the world that women can be in charge and we can kick ass at it. The women of this movie killed it.

The Netflix Original brought a very common storyline to the screen but also threw in some other smaller ideas, that just might take your breath away when spoken in such context.

Overall, this movie was cheesy, over-the-top dramatic, predictable, but would recommend it to any of my friends in a heartbeat, because sometimes all you need is another sappy romance film.