Set It Off (Blu-ray) (1996)

Editor's Note After a lifetime of being exploited by unscrupulous employers, pushed around by sleazy boyfriends, persecuted by the police, and unable to escape from the undertow of ghetto life by socially approved means, a quartet of Angelina women arm themselves to the teeth and bust up banks in this provocative and intriguing social drama.

	Kimberly Elise
	John C. McGinley
	Vivica A. Fox
	Jada Pinkett
	Queen Latifah
	Blair Underwood
	Takashi Bufford - Screenwriter
	Kate Lanier - Screenwriter
	F. Gary Gray - Director

Frankie's been unjustly fired from her bank-teller job. Stony's brother was wrongly killed by the police. A misunderstanding results in Tisean's baby being taken from her. Cleo just wants to get out of the 'hood. These are the desperate situations of four female best friends, who jointly take a drastic measure to improve their lives...| The women decide to rob a bank, an experience that gives them an emotional rush in addition to easy money. Hooked, the quartet continue (and escalate) their crime sprees, attracting the attention of the authorities. As a result, the foursome learn a violent -- and tragic -- version of the adage "crime does not pay." Premiere
"...Boosted by some really cool heist sequences and an excellent performance by Queen Latifah..." 12/01/1996 p.29

Entertainment Weekly
"...Very particular, very engaging....[A] fresh piece of work..." -- Rating: B 11/08/1996 p.48

Variety
"...A well-crafted girls-n-the-hood actioner, with an acute social conscience and plenty of soul....A tale of female bonding and empowerment, this relevant film boasts a terrific cast..." 11/04/1996

Los Angeles Times
"...A heist film with more than guns and ammo on its mind....A project worth paying attention to..." 11/06/1996 p.F1

Chicago Sun-Times
"...The action sequences -- the robberies, the close calls, the shootouts -- are all well-handled....What makes the film special is the way it shows the motivations of its four women..." 11/06/1996 p.51