A New York Times Review of “Paid in Full”

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A New York Times Review of “Paid in Full”

Hello my readers, I know you must have been surprised when you saw this review on the listing of our website, movies.nytimes.com. But only six and a half years ago a movie came out which did not generate outstanding revenue in the box office, being released domestically and only earring $3,090,862. I assume those of you who did see the movie in 2002 have probably forgotten about it by now, and I was not working for the New York Times, so I would like to revisit this film. It is an interpretation of a true story of three young men in Harlem, New York during the 1980s and their rise and fall in the drug dealing business. The actor who plays Mitch in the film (who portrays the true story of Alberto Martinez) has had some recent success in the television business. Mekhi Phifer has become one of the main characters of a hit TV show on FOX called “Lie to Me,” which had a reception of 12.37 million viewers of its pilot episode and has been doing well, its third season will be airing in the Fall 2010. Mr. Phifer is an agent for the FBI who was assigned to the main character’s, Cal Lightman, organization and assists them by giving armed protection and offering the real world experiences of an FBI agent. He also was nominated for an Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” this year for that TV series.

“Paid in Full” was the mainstream film debut of commercial director Charles Stone III, who had directed and starred in the hugely popular Budweiser “Whassuupp” commercial series. “Paid in Full” was the first of two films released in 2002 which were directed by Mr. Stone, the first being the music/comedy/drama film “Drumline.” This movie is certainly not a commercial by any s...

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...nd it keeps true to the heritage of the times of the 1980s.

“Paid in Full” is rated R (under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian). It has running profanity and includes graphic scenes of violence and strong sexual content. Parents be warned.

PAID IN FULL

Opened in theaters on October 25, 2002

Directed by Charles Stone III; Based on the true story of Azie Faison Jr., Alberto Martinez and Richard Porter.; director of photography, Paul Sarossy; edited by Patricia Bowers and Bill Pankow; production designer, Maher Ahmad; music by Frank Fitzpatrick and Vernon Reid; produced by Jesse Berdinka, Damon Dash and Jay-Z; released by Dimension Films. Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes

WITH: Wood Harris (Ace), Mekhi Phifer (Mitch), Kevin Carroll (Calvin), Esai Morales (Lulu), Chi McBride (Pip), Cam’ron (Rico), Remo Greene (Sonny), and Cynthia Martells (Dora).

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