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."
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. " Of Coburn, a reviewer for
The Age noted that "the veteran film heavy deserves better." == References ==