Wow, as a black woman who was 14/15 when this movie came out, you all took me back. I went through so many emotions just watching you guys review it. This movie was so full of emotions. Thank you guys.
The 90s were the absolute BEST decade for movies in my opinion. 1994 alone was loaded: Shawshank, Forrest Gump, Interview with the Vampire, The Lion King, Clear and Present Danger, True Lies, Legends of the Fall, Pulp Fiction, Speed, The Client, Ace Ventura, etc. It seemed like everything in the 90s peaked, then things started to slowly go downhill after that.
Thank you Nick and Joseph for reviewing this movie. I saw this in a theater w/ my sister when we were both in our mid twenties. I was born and raised in Africa and had only been in this country a few years when this movie came out. I just getting aquinted with the social justice and racial issues but I was quickly catching up. I was traumatized by this movie. What's unfortunate is that the macro societal issues raised by this movie; such as economic oppression, income disparities, racial injustice and lack of opportunity for demographics of color have actually worsened since 1996. I have lived here, have a graduate education and a good job. But no matter one's achievement, I'm still scared of being pulled over and shot by Police for frivolous reasons. I can relate to the economic circumstances depicted by these characters, just trying to have a level plainfield that doesn't exist for certain groups and always a steep uphill battle. I bought this movie when it came out on DVD, but I have not been able to re-watch it. As a black person from a different country living here for as long as I have and now fully aware of these dynamics and nothing changes it's very discouraging. Queen Latifah should have been nominated, and won an Oscar for this. Thanks again for this and the channel. I watch almost everything and I listen to the podcasts. You are both a joy to watch and listen to.
I had the soundtrack CD on repeat back in the day - the En Vogue song, “Can’t keep runnin’ in in outta my life outta my life outta my liiiiiiife woah oh ohhhhhh” lmao.
We didn't know how good we had it in the 90's is right! He's no longer with us, but this was my friends favorite movie. He loved Cleo too. Thanks for taking me back and making me remember him.
Thank you for reviewing my favourite movie and loving it just as much as I do. Also nicks point at 28:15 is sooo true. I'm so sad about the decline of black independent cinema and independent cinema in general
I always loved this film! You understand why these girls make this choice to violence, and the girls all feel like real people. The danger feels real, the loss is painful, and the romance between Blair Underwood and Jada Pinkett feels genuinely sweet. The EnVogue single is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!! I love that song most more than their classic "Hold On".
I love ya’ll so much for reviewing this film. The chemistry of everyone in this film is unmatched. They made you believe they were all really good friends. We were emotional at the right times and the reality of their lives were completely relatable. Joseph what did you think of their hair in this movie?
I have this movie and have seen it sooooo many times and every time that I watch it I am always pleased by every scene (that’s good movie making when you can feel the same emotions as when you first saw the movie)…and what is this about you two not dressing to the nines for events?…wow I would’ve thought that you guys clean up well…although you both are sexy, handsome, funny, smurky, funny, etc… (it’s true that no one should ever Judge A Book By It’s Cover). I dare you to do a LIVE video and dress up for the 2023 Academy Awards😚
First off I’ve been watching y’all’s videos ALLL day long. Just discovered this channel and y’all are amazing! This is the first time I’ve seen an in depth analysis of Set It Off and it made me FEEL so much …being a queer Black girl in the 90s and seeing someone like Cleo on the movie screen changed it ALL for me. From this to Chicago Queen Latifa paved the way for queer Black female main characters for me and for all of us who were looking for our hero, so thank your for this wonderful review. This was the first R rated movie I saw in theatres… so my mom took me and my sisters to see it and was totally cool with all the violence and bloodshed.. but forced us to close our eyes during the 90sec grown up scene haha… I love it so much! Can y’all do New Jack City sometime soon? Or Jackie’s Back? Keep up the amazing work, I’m so happy I found you guys!! ⌘ fun fact: my parents got married in the church that’s in the opening credits of AMEN in 1983 lol
We’re glad you enjoy! ❤️ We did Jackie’s Back for the podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fish-jelly/id1564138767?i=1000621313048. We’ll definitely get to New Jack City.
Although sometimes i would honestly watch you two over watching the actual movie your reviewing, I'm often very encouraged to watch the movies you guys like! Especially if i haven't seen them or seen them in a while! Also I oove the idea of you guys going back and reviewing older movies!
I’m new to your channel, and I LOVE your content so much. I had to pause the video when it was questioned whether or not the police would really open fire if there was a bus in the line of fire. The answer is yes, yes they would unfortunately. We had a shooting in Florida that resulted in a UPS driver being killed by police, in a crowded intersection.
I love that you both decided to review this retro movie- love all of your reviews. Often, after watching, I go to see where it’s being shown, what app it’s on- like the recent review about the two young school friends and one of the boys commits suicide. I see Set It Off is on Prime. Thanks always! ❤
Love this movie! I start crying from the scene where they say goodbye to Cleo and I don't stop until it's over every time I watch it. Thanks for this review!
Great video 🖤🖤🖤 I love this movie. I always cry when Queen hits the switches for the last time😢😢. As a silly preteen I caught myself trying to be like Jada at the end of the movie and tried to cut my Brandy braids out into a short style like hers. My mom was sooo mad. It wasn't cute when I did it 🤣😂🤣😂
Y’all Y all so many things…… first off thank you for reviewing this movie. 90s black cinema had so many great movies so many great performances that when ignored. Queen Latifah and Kimberly Elise gave the best performances. I’ve seen the movie 1 million times still tear up at the same parts because the performances are top-tier. Please review more movies from the 90s because they were stellar. Love y’all ❤❤❤❤❤❤ F Gary Gray is a wonderful Director. Blair Underwood is bomb to this day.
Yes! The 90s had Boyz in the Hood, New Jack City, Set it Off, Love Jones, Dead Presidents, Jason's Lyric, Waiting to Exhale, Boomerang, The Best Man, and many others. A great era for Black films. ❤
first time here, LOVED this - also, a fun fact, this was the first film i ever saw featuring a lesbian and that was GREAT news for me - shoutout to Queen Latifah
Yes! As far as heist flicks go, Heat, Set It Off, and The Town are my faves. Anywho, I remember seeing this in the movies. You guys echoed my sentiments... Queen Latifah shoulda gotten some nominations...the cops shooting Vivica Fox's character with that bus full of passengers where a passenger could've easily gotten shot... But, I guess it was so we could see Jada's reaction to the fate of Vivica's character. Great...I'll even say it's underrated...film! I'ma hafta watch it again for the umptheenth time this weekend. Joseph, please finish Goodfellas so I can hear what y'all have to say, lol! Goodfellas is another fave of mine...not that y'all care, lol. But, I DO care what y'all have to say about it cos I love me some Nick and Joseph!
Amazing movie & such & Classic!! Definitely sad & heartbreaking how it ended tho… Love y’all review & 2 Fine Ass men btw . This movie definitely showed what desperation can drive some ppl to do & these 4 women/friends just got tired of being F*cked over by the system . The way Cleo went out gets me in tears every single time .
Thank you for explaining the movie. I've never seen it. Sounds like a great script. I may watch it one day. I didn't even know Vivica was in this movie or maybe I forgot. Idk 🤔🤦🏾♀️
I can't even believe y'all reviewing this movie. This is a staple in my era. I was touched when you talked about certain people getting killed, because I grew up in a time where anyone could be killed or die of AIDS. I probably need some therapy, because my daughter is going to college in the fall and some of the "pit falls" I bring up shock the kids. Don't talk about people's wigs in this movie...when people first started wearing fake braids it was not uncommon for them to lose a braid walking to the teacher's desk or swimming in the pool; if they dare. It's so funny because I loved Jada then, but now...🙄Blair Underwood was a Buppie! He was in L.A. Law and was named Blair. The only Blair we knew was from The Facts of Life. Dine and ditch was so regular that Chili's couldn't believe I left them my ID to go home and get the $40 bucks my ratchet ass friends didn't have. Queen in that moment was the most tears I cried for any movie. That blue car being shot up was just hurtful. Anyway, the makings of OUR classics! I'm glad y'all liked it.
I loved the soundtrack to set it off! I remember watching this movie as a kid on an illegal cable box lol I never forgot Blair Underwood's butt, his scene after the party was when I learned what sexy was lol
Amazing! Like how this story's script ventured into an 'uncommon' territory. Your views are very informative on this theme and characters, in the context of it being written in the mid 90s.
Thank you for the fun review! I think F. Gary Gray is such a awesome director. Fun little fact: Chaz Lamar Shepherd plays Jada's brother who was killed in the movie. He has a wonderful singing voice; you can see him singing in a popular gospel song by the West Angeles Mass Choir that I love titled "Lord Prepare Me" ua-cam.com/video/mJsEE9r-mJc/v-deo.html
I absolutely love this movie. This is Queen's nest movie. These are the type of film's that when Jada is in them are also her best (meaning African American films). The rest of the women are also very good. This is before Vivica start getting stuff done to her face. She was so beautiful then. I looked up to her so much. I also think Jada looked better than. And because of youth for either one.
Seriously, Queen Latifah killed it in this movie! That scene makes me cry every time!
Yessss!!
"Her hair is the same color as her face, and that always bothered me" ~Joseph 🤣🤣🤣
That took me OWT because I knew exactly what he meant 😂😂😂
Wow, as a black woman who was 14/15 when this movie came out, you all took me back. I went through so many emotions just watching you guys review it. This movie was so full of emotions. Thank you guys.
I haven't seen "Set It Off" in years.
Absolutely loved how you broke down the characters intent and relationship to their actions.
This movie is a complete CLASSIC! Queen deserved an Oscar nomination
The 90s were the absolute BEST decade for movies in my opinion. 1994 alone was loaded: Shawshank, Forrest Gump, Interview with the Vampire, The Lion King, Clear and Present Danger, True Lies, Legends of the Fall, Pulp Fiction, Speed, The Client, Ace Ventura, etc. It seemed like everything in the 90s peaked, then things started to slowly go downhill after that.
Not to mention music especially reggae. ❤🎉
This movie is a classic. I watched it way too young and cried every time. Thank you for starting my Black History month off right! 🙌
Great review! Fun fact: Jada initially wanted the role of Cleo but producers talked her into playing Stoney- the voice of reason
Thank you Nick and Joseph for reviewing this movie. I saw this in a theater w/ my sister when we were both in our mid twenties. I was born and raised in Africa and had only been in this country a few years when this movie came out. I just getting aquinted with the social justice and racial issues but I was quickly catching up. I was traumatized by this movie. What's unfortunate is that the macro societal issues raised by this movie; such as economic oppression, income disparities, racial injustice and lack of opportunity for demographics of color have actually worsened since 1996. I have lived here, have a graduate education and a good job. But no matter one's achievement, I'm still scared of being pulled over and shot by Police for frivolous reasons. I can relate to the economic circumstances depicted by these characters, just trying to have a level plainfield that doesn't exist for certain groups and always a steep uphill battle. I bought this movie when it came out on DVD, but I have not been able to re-watch it. As a black person from a different country living here for as long as I have and now fully aware of these dynamics and nothing changes it's very discouraging. Queen Latifah should have been nominated, and won an Oscar for this. Thanks again for this and the channel. I watch almost everything and I listen to the podcasts. You are both a joy to watch and listen to.
🙏🏽
I had the soundtrack CD on repeat back in the day - the En Vogue song, “Can’t keep runnin’ in in outta my life outta my life outta my liiiiiiife woah oh ohhhhhh” lmao.
We didn't know how good we had it in the 90's is right! He's no longer with us, but this was my friends favorite movie. He loved Cleo too. Thanks for taking me back and making me remember him.
She looked like a pack of starbursts … love it. Will have to rewatch some time
RIP T-Byrd. Did theater with him in Ashland Oregon...I'll never forget his deep passion for August Wilson and his kind heart.
Set It Off is one of my favs. It's definitely a classic 90's movie in black cinema.
I’m 31 so I saw this as a kid. I just rewatched it the other night and didn’t realize how emotional this movie was. 😂
This was a nice surprise review, totally unexpected to see Set It Off reviewed given how old it is.
Thank you for reviewing my favourite movie and loving it just as much as I do. Also nicks point at 28:15 is sooo true. I'm so sad about the decline of black independent cinema and independent cinema in general
I always loved this film! You understand why these girls make this choice to violence, and the girls all feel like real people. The danger feels real, the loss is painful, and the romance between Blair Underwood and Jada Pinkett feels genuinely sweet. The EnVogue single is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!! I love that song most more than their classic "Hold On".
I love ya’ll so much for reviewing this film. The chemistry of everyone in this film is unmatched. They made you believe they were all really good friends. We were emotional at the right times and the reality of their lives were completely relatable. Joseph what did you think of their hair in this movie?
The Queen was on fire in this movie. I'm teary eyed just thinking about the film and I've only seen it once back in the day. Excellent!
I have this movie and have seen it sooooo many times and every time that I watch it I am always pleased by every scene (that’s good movie making when you can feel the same emotions as when you first saw the movie)…and what is this about you two not dressing to the nines for events?…wow I would’ve thought that you guys clean up well…although you both are sexy, handsome, funny, smurky, funny, etc… (it’s true that no one should ever Judge A Book By It’s Cover). I dare you to do a LIVE video and dress up for the 2023 Academy Awards😚
Set it off is sooooo timeless
Love it when you guys revisit older movies.
Queen Latifah as the waitress in Jungle Fever. It's a stand out scene to me. And now The Equalizer on TV. I love Queen Latifah!
First off I’ve been watching y’all’s videos ALLL day long. Just discovered this channel and y’all are amazing! This is the first time I’ve seen an in depth analysis of Set It Off and it made me FEEL so much …being a queer Black girl in the 90s and seeing someone like Cleo on the movie screen changed it ALL for me. From this to Chicago Queen Latifa paved the way for queer Black female main characters for me and for all of us who were looking for our hero, so thank your for this wonderful review. This was the first R rated movie I saw in theatres… so my mom took me and my sisters to see it and was totally cool with all the violence and bloodshed.. but forced us to close our eyes during the 90sec grown up scene haha… I love it so much! Can y’all do New Jack City sometime soon? Or Jackie’s Back?
Keep up the amazing work, I’m so happy I found you guys!!
⌘
fun fact: my parents got married in the church that’s in the opening credits of AMEN in 1983 lol
We’re glad you enjoy! ❤️ We did Jackie’s Back for the podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fish-jelly/id1564138767?i=1000621313048. We’ll definitely get to New Jack City.
And we were just discovering the range Queen Latifa had in the 90s. Amazing. Thanks for reviewing this. Brought back all the memories.
Although sometimes i would honestly watch you two over watching the actual movie your reviewing, I'm often very encouraged to watch the movies you guys like! Especially if i haven't seen them or seen them in a while! Also I oove the idea of you guys going back and reviewing older movies!
This movie still holds up to this day!!
I’m new to your channel, and I LOVE your content so much. I had to pause the video when it was questioned whether or not the police would really open fire if there was a bus in the line of fire. The answer is yes, yes they would unfortunately. We had a shooting in Florida that resulted in a UPS driver being killed by police, in a crowded intersection.
Such a classic. One of the rare movies where we don't need a sequel or remake.
It's 1:30 in the morning here and since I can't sleep-might as well watch a fish jelly premiere lol
I need to rewatch this, I haven't seen it in years. I do remember Queen Latifah's amazing performance.
OMG, Joseph I used to love Amen!!!!!
I love that you're going back to older movies :)
Great film. Would love a review of Dead Presidents (1995).
Question. How old were these characters in this movie. I assume mid 20s, which makes it even sadder them dying so young.
I love that you both decided to review this retro movie- love all of your reviews. Often, after watching, I go to see where it’s being shown, what app it’s on- like the recent review about the two young school friends and one of the boys commits suicide. I see Set It Off is on Prime. Thanks always! ❤
Love this movie! I start crying from the scene where they say goodbye to Cleo and I don't stop until it's over every time I watch it. Thanks for this review!
Luther, damn, Luther 😳 Forget about him, lol.
Great video 🖤🖤🖤 I love this movie. I always cry when Queen hits the switches for the last time😢😢. As a silly preteen I caught myself trying to be like Jada at the end of the movie and tried to cut my Brandy braids out into a short style like hers. My mom was sooo mad. It wasn't cute when I did it 🤣😂🤣😂
Y’all Y all so many things…… first off thank you for reviewing this movie. 90s black cinema had so many great movies so many great performances that when ignored. Queen Latifah and Kimberly Elise gave the best performances. I’ve seen the movie 1 million times still tear up at the same parts because the performances are top-tier. Please review more movies from the 90s because they were stellar. Love y’all ❤❤❤❤❤❤ F Gary Gray is a wonderful Director. Blair Underwood is bomb to this day.
Yes! The 90s had Boyz in the Hood, New Jack City, Set it Off, Love Jones, Dead Presidents, Jason's Lyric, Waiting to Exhale, Boomerang, The Best Man, and many others. A great era for Black films. ❤
Adore ya'll
Love your take on this
Queen Latifah"s performance helped me come out ❤️
I love Joyce. She’s such a great actress.
This is one of the few movies you guys have reviewed that I've actually seen. It's one of my favorites.
I love you guys for this!
Queen Latifah is and will always be just that: A Queen.
They originally wanted Brandy for Kimberly Elise's role, but she turned it down. However, it was great that she was still on the soundtrack.
Yassss I'm here for this review
This movie is amazing!!! 🤩 Thanks for reviewing it, I enjoyed the ride down memory landed and will rewatch it now!
The bank robbery scenes in this movie were top-notch. Comparable to the ones in Heat with Deniro and Pacino.
What... I didn't know Kimberly Elise was in this lmao damn i just watched Diary of a Mad Black Woman yesterday 😂
Wow, this brought back memories. Love this tragic movie. It's one of my top 30, so now I'll probably be rewatching it soon.
Joseph's shirt 😂😂😂
first time here, LOVED this - also, a fun fact, this was the first film i ever saw featuring a lesbian and that was GREAT news for me - shoutout to Queen Latifah
Okay y’all are working over time!
You guys! This movie makes me cry 😫
I love this movie! It's one of my favorites! The ending is so sad. 😥
I honestly think is one of the best movies ever made in my opinion. It is COMPLETE.
Just love the En Vogue soundtrack. It made me wanna see it.
Yes! As far as heist flicks go, Heat, Set It Off, and The Town are my faves. Anywho, I remember seeing this in the movies. You guys echoed my sentiments... Queen Latifah shoulda gotten some nominations...the cops shooting Vivica Fox's character with that bus full of passengers where a passenger could've easily gotten shot... But, I guess it was so we could see Jada's reaction to the fate of Vivica's character. Great...I'll even say it's underrated...film! I'ma hafta watch it again for the umptheenth time this weekend.
Joseph, please finish Goodfellas so I can hear what y'all have to say, lol! Goodfellas is another fave of mine...not that y'all care, lol. But, I DO care what y'all have to say about it cos I love me some Nick and Joseph!
Literally one of my fav movies! I cry EVERYTIME😢❤
Oh you must watch JUST CAUSE! It's so good!
This is my favorite review!!!!!!
Thanks for reviewing one of my favorite movies. And i agree with Joseph, Queen Latifah killed this role!😍👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
The Combo of these four girls were awesome. Don’t think it would have been as good if anyone of them were replaced with someone else.
One of the best hood classics of all time. I think I've seen this 50 times.
Side note can't belive you didn't care for Goodfellas
Great review guys! 👍🏾
Loved this film! Born/raised in Los Angeles and have fun memories. Will you be reviewing all the 90s films from the festival?
We’re going to try.
Amazing movie & such & Classic!! Definitely sad & heartbreaking how it ended tho… Love y’all review & 2 Fine Ass men btw . This movie definitely showed what desperation can drive some ppl to do & these 4 women/friends just got tired of being F*cked over by the system . The way Cleo went out gets me in tears every single time .
Just cause was such an amazing movie. You guys would love it.
❤❤❤Set It Off
Thank you for explaining the movie. I've never seen it. Sounds like a great script. I may watch it one day. I didn't even know Vivica was in this movie or maybe I forgot. Idk 🤔🤦🏾♀️
I have always liked this movie. It is sad at the end.
Great review!
Why would they let the stud pick out the wigs?? 😂😂😂
Amazing movie. I've only watched it once which is when it came out. The ending is too real for me.
Set it off, is a classic.
I hope you guys watch the movie Kids (1995) by lary Clark.
Wow this movie brings back memories loved it
I can't even believe y'all reviewing this movie. This is a staple in my era. I was touched when you talked about certain people getting killed, because I grew up in a time where anyone could be killed or die of AIDS. I probably need some therapy, because my daughter is going to college in the fall and some of the "pit falls" I bring up shock the kids. Don't talk about people's wigs in this movie...when people first started wearing fake braids it was not uncommon for them to lose a braid walking to the teacher's desk or swimming in the pool; if they dare. It's so funny because I loved Jada then, but now...🙄Blair Underwood was a Buppie! He was in L.A. Law and was named Blair. The only Blair we knew was from The Facts of Life. Dine and ditch was so regular that Chili's couldn't believe I left them my ID to go home and get the $40 bucks my ratchet ass friends didn't have. Queen in that moment was the most tears I cried for any movie. That blue car being shot up was just hurtful. Anyway, the makings of OUR classics! I'm glad y'all liked it.
Frankie (Vivica Fox) was my favorite character 😂
I loved the soundtrack to set it off! I remember watching this movie as a kid on an illegal cable box lol I never forgot Blair Underwood's butt, his scene after the party was when I learned what sexy was lol
Amazing! Like how this story's script ventured into an 'uncommon' territory. Your views are very informative on this theme and characters, in the context of it being written in the mid 90s.
Thank you for the fun review! I think F. Gary Gray is such a awesome director.
Fun little fact: Chaz Lamar Shepherd plays Jada's brother who was killed in the movie. He has a wonderful singing voice; you can see him singing in a popular gospel song by the West Angeles Mass Choir that I love titled "Lord Prepare Me"
ua-cam.com/video/mJsEE9r-mJc/v-deo.html
I absolutely love this movie. This is Queen's nest movie. These are the type of film's that when Jada is in them are also her best (meaning African American films). The rest of the women are also very good. This is before Vivica start getting stuff done to her face. She was so beautiful then. I looked up to her so much. I also think Jada looked better than. And because of youth for either one.
Wow you guys continue to surprise ❤️ never thought I would see you review this movie. You really open my eyes to it even more 🙏