SummaryAmidst the 1980s drug scene in Harlem, a young native (Harris) builds an illegal empire only to have a crisis of conscience.
Directed By:Charles Stone III
Written By:Azie Faison Jr., Austin Phillips, Matthew Cirulnick, Thulani Davis
Paid in Full
Metascore
Mixed or Average
49
User score
Mixed or Average
5.1
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
49
38% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
38% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
25% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
75
An intelligent crime drama, not because of the criminal activity it dramatizes but because of its powerful examination of the forces that drive criminals.
63
Paid In Full's performances - especially by the always-engaging Phifer -- are strong, its message worthwhile and its sincerity doubtless.
63
The movie is ambitious, has good energy and is well-acted, but tells a familiar story in a familiar way. The parallels to Brian De Palma's "Scarface" are underlined by scenes from that movie which are watched by the characters in this one.
60
The direction has a fluid, no-nonsense authority, and the performances by Harris, Phifer and Cam'ron seal the deal.
50
Dreary.
30
a freefall into urban hell that doesn't give us The impetus to jump or the awful gratification of the ride.
10
As superficial as his 1999 short film "True," the inspiration for Budweiser's "Whassup?" commercials, Charles Stone III's feature debut is set in a 1986 Harlem that doesn't look much like anywhere in New York.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.1
47% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
20% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
33% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Feb 20, 2026
9
First 30 minutes were slow but then the story really picks up. The fact that it is based on true events meant that I spent some time looking up the real people after watching which enhanced the experience. Acting is also great, Cam'ron really surprised me.
Jul 30, 2013
5
The acting was good, the directing was ok, but at the end of the day, it was the same old "hood" movie. Very predictable, which hurt the quality. Entertaining all the same.
Production Company:
- Dimension Films
- Loud Films
- Rat Entertainment
- Roc-a-fella Films
Release Date:Oct 25, 2002
Duration:1 h 37 m
Rating:R
Tagline:The American Dream... Their way.
Awards
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 1 Nomination
