REVIEW: Set It Up Brings New Life To Romantic Comedies

Set It Up is the simply charming, romantic comedy audiences have been waiting for. Directed by Claire Scanlon, Set It Up is the tale of two young corporate assistants who set out to “set it up” their demanding, over the top bosses so they can finally have free time.

Zoey Deutch is a joy to watch as quirky aspiring writer, Harper. She is stuck as an assistant to former ESPN reported turned editor Kirsten, played wonderfully by Lucy Liu. Zoey does well to show off Harper’s soft heart and desire to tell sports stories often overlooked. And Lucy has just enough to play with to make Kirsten more than the stereotypical, driven to succeed at all costs Kirsten.

Glen Powell is Zoey’s fellow assistant Charlie, a man in his late 20s who only sticks with his egotistical boss, Rick (Taye Diggs) in order to get the promotion he so desperately desires. Rick has no redeemable qualities which works for Taye Diggs who seemed to have a lot of fun in this role. Glen is adorable in this role and gives Charlie a bit of heart when he could’ve remained one-dimensional.

The film progresses at a fairly even pace, which allows the audience to be at that perfect level of connection with the characters and story. It’s only right at the end the story’s pace is thrown off. Plot points are wrapped up far too quickly and neatly, almost as though crunched on time.

Set It Up is in no way a cinematic masterpiece but it is a breath of fresh air in the stagnant world of romantic comedies. It is the perfect film to watch when you are looking for a happy distraction from the reality.

Grade: B