Paid in Full

The long list of dramas we've had involving violence and drugs. 'Boyz in the Hood', 'Menace to Society' among others and in the mix was 'Paid in Full' years later that I hadn't seen until now. Three different young men in 80's Harlem selling cocaine. The story feels authentic, but is very predictable.

That it's loosely based on real people doesn't matter. The highs and lows, the rise and fall. People dying. It's well worn territory. You watch interactions with characters who you know are going to become a problem so it's with no shock when they later do. Watch enough of these movies and they all start to blend together after a while.

Wood Harris's character Ace is a contradiction. He tries to stay away initially but gets sucked in by the money. Wants to be smart. Doesn't want to be all flash, high profile yet he still wears expensive clothing and drives around in high-end cars. Mekhi Phifer's Mitch is all about the flash and being popular, but he has great charisma. Very likable especially when showing care for his younger brother's well being. Cam'ron as Rico feels real, but you know what type of dude he is the moment you meet him. A loud mouth with more balls than brains with suspect loyalty who's gonna meet one of two fates.

'Paid in Full' is well acted and stays grounded. It doesn't go over the top, but it has no edge, nothing to really set it apart. It's attempt at trying to end on a relatively positive note after all the sadness and tragedy left a bitter taste in my mouth. It's a betrayal to everything that happened.