The Set-Up is a 1995 American crime thriller film directed by Strathford Hamilton and starring Billy Zane.
[2] It debuted on the American premium television network Showtime on July 23, 1995.
[3][4] Time Out reviewed the film, writing that it was "a movie that's more plot than characterisation, and is already doomed from the moment they cast the synthetic male lead.
"[5] Variety and TV Guide also reviewed The Set-Up, the latter of which felt that "Persuasively acted by veteran smoothie James Coburn and the two romantic leads, THE SET-UP is knocked down a few pegs by the robbers--Mandylor, who seethes with "method" menace; former wrestler Tiny Lister, a Tor Johnson for the '90s, and the hammy Russo, who seems on a pilgrimage to showcase the worst aspects of Method-acted hooliganism in all his performances.
"[6][7] Of Coburn, a reviewer for The Age noted that "the veteran film heavy deserves better.