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Paid in Full is a 2002 American crime drama film directed by Charles Stone III and starring Mekhi Phifer, Wood Harris, and Chi McBride. Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Harlem, the film follows the rise and fall of a group of friends who enter the drug trade and become involved in a dangerous criminal underworld. Ace (Wood Harris) is a quiet and reserved young man who works at a dry cleaner's shop. His life changes when he meets Lulu (Esai Morales), a flashy dealer who introduces him to the world of drug trafficking. Ace quickly rises up the ranks, becoming one of the top earners in the business. Along the way, he meets Mitch (Mekhi Phifer), a hot-headed enforcer who becomes his partner and best friend. The two join forces with Rico (Cam'ron), a childhood friend of Mitch's, to form a powerful drug-selling operation.

As their empire grows, so do the risks involved in their illegal activities. Law enforcement becomes increasingly interested in their business, and rival dealers make threatening moves against them. Meanwhile, tensions begin to arise between Ace, Mitch, and Rico, as they struggle to maintain their relationships and their profits.

Paid in Full is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the drug trade, showing the harsh consequences of a life of crime. The film is based on the true story of the "Alpo Martinez" drug ring, which operated in New York City in the 1980s. The film's characters are complex and multifaceted, with both good and bad qualities. They are portrayed as real people who are trapped in a dangerous situation and are struggling to survive.

The film's direction is stylish and engaging, with dynamic camera work and a slick soundtrack. The performances by the lead actors are strong, with Wood Harris and Mekhi Phifer delivering standout performances. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable and adds depth to their characters' relationship.

Paid in Full tackles themes of loyalty, greed, and the corrupting influence of power. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of easy money and the high price that comes with a life of crime. The film is an important piece of urban cinema, highlighting the reality of inner-city drug culture and the effects it has on the people involved.

In conclusion, Paid in Full is a compelling and powerful film that explores the dark side of the American Dream. Its gripping story and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of crime dramas.

Paid in Full is a 2002 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 49.