Paid In Full

A basically decent Harlem youth (Wood Harris) is caught up in the cocaine trade of the 1980s and finds himself coping with unstable companions (Mekhi Phifer and Cam’ron), a dangerous enemy (Kevin Carroll) and an uneasy conscience. Written by Matthew Cirulnick and Thulani Davis (an odd credit says their script is “based on a screenplay by Azie Faison Jr. and Austin Phillips”), the story is familiar from its many predecessors; like them, it eventually culminates in the not-exactly-stunning insight that crime doesn’t pay. Still, the film rises a notch or two above the commonplace thanks to director Charles Stone III’s affinity for street realism and the strong performances he draws. Wood is sympathetic, Phifer is as solid as always, and Cam’ron is especially good as the loosest cannon on deck.