Setup

Setup is a gritty and visceral crime thriller released in 2011. Produced by and starring Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, alongside renown actors Bruce Willis and Ryan Phillippe, the movie takes viewers deep into a dark world where the stakes are high, deception is rampant, and loyalty is a commodity.

Directed by Mike Gunther, Setup explores the volatile dynamics of friendship, trust, and betrayal against a backdrop of a violent criminal underworld. One cannot expect appearances by Bruce Willis in an action crime thriller to remain quiet and calm for long, and Setup delivers a riveting narrative of treachery, revenge, and redemption suitable for Willis’ reputation.

The movie pivots around the lives of three friends, Sonny (50 Cent), Vincent (Ryan Phillippe), and Dave (Brett Granstaff). These close-knit friends, drifting through life and desperate to improve their circumstances, become embroiled in a grand heist which promises a hefty payday. As is often the case in high-stakes endeavors, greed takes hold, alliances are tested, and events escalate rapidly.

As the story unfolds, Sonny, played by 50 Cent, is the group's pragmatic member. He is constantly overshadowed by Vincent, a strong, charismatic character portrayed by Ryan Phillippe. While Vincent is the de facto leader, constantly pushing for bigger bets and bolder moves, it's Sonny's less flashy but more focused approach that makes him the heart of the trio. Brett Granstaff's portrayal of Dave offers an interesting contrast, acting as an unlikely balance to the group dynamic, offering moments of levity amid the encroaching tension.

Unexpectedly, the plans go awry, setting the stage for a thrilling narrative of revenge. Betrayed, one friend is left abandoned, bloodied, and penniless while the others make off with the heist. This act of treachery dissolves the once-strong friendship and invokes a burning desire for revenge. The aggrieved party starts a fearless crusade for justice, unwilling to rest until past wrongs are corrected.

Bruce Willis provides the movie with an additional layer of intensity. Willis portrays "Biggs," a calculating crime boss whose menacing charm makes him a formidable and unpredictable player in the gritty underworld of crime. Willis masterfully weaves an air of calm menace into every scene he graces, leaving audiences on the edge of their seat.

The juxtaposition of familiar faces from different genres results in an interesting chemistry between Willis, 50 Cent, and Phillippe; their dynamic is arguably one of the film's main strengths. Setup thrives on the tensions between these characters, constantly weaving a tapestry of suspense and drama.

Setup doesn't shy away from violence, nor does it revel in it. The action sequences are brutal and succinct, serving the plot rather than overshadowing it. Gun fights and chase sequences are presented realistically, keeping the drama grounded in a level of realism that enhances the overall tension.

Visually, the movie maintains a dark and somber aesthetic throughout, matching the narrative's suspenseful tone. Cinematographer Steve Gainer uses a palette of subdued tones to vividly depict the desolate and grim atmosphere where our characters find themselves. This image styling markedly contrasts with the flashier indicators of wealth and power so often associated with criminal activity. Instead, it imbues the film with a palpable sense of desperation and desolation that underscores the raw human experience at the heart of the story.

At its core, Setup is a crime thriller that examines the complexities of friendship under extreme circumstances—the ultimate test of loyalty and trust. As the web of deceit unravels, viewers are taken on a tense and dramatic journey brought to life by an ensemble cast and an intense narrative. Its classic themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption blend seamlessly with engaging performances from its cast, making Setup a gripping and formidable entry into the crime thriller genre.