Paid In Full | Why The True Story Matters - Film Analysis

[@nicolesherman8974]

I never knew this film underperformed at the box office. Nonetheless, I’m glad this film has a cult following and one of the most standout films in the Black Community. This is in my top five of my favorite hood films. Menace II Society will always be #1 for me because of the rawness and the story it sent to Black men living in the projects. Can’t wait until your page blows up! I want to hear your thoughts on the movies Strapped, Dead Presidents, and Clockers.

[@itakeonmovies]

I really didn't wither until I did some research, unfortunately I wasn't too surprised. When it came out I don't remember seeing a whole lot of promotion for it. And I think it may squeek into my tip 5 hood movies as well, its that good. I agree Menace II Society could possibly be the best, that's just a great film in general! Maybe I'll make a best hood films list one day? I'd love to get videos made for those other films you mentioned as well one day! And thank you for the words and support. That really does mean a lot to me. 🙌🏾

[@ppramila6063]

@@itakeonmovies please put a video on screenplay analysis of andhadhun screenwriting tips

[@ppramila6063]

@@itakeonmovies an Indian movie

[@nellynel6141]

@@itakeonmovies A straight up concise review. I was one of the actors in this film, I played “Wedge”. Just started co-hosting a podcast where we’re reviewing films. All the best to you!

[@humbledragger6411]

@@itakeonmoviesI actually have Boyz in the hood over Menace II Society because although I know both stories to be super realistic, Boyz in the hood story is way more common

[@JustinPrime85]

The young generation love this movie but they fail to realize what Azie said it is a "cautionary" tale to stay out of the drug game and decide to have a fantasy about it and sell drugs anyway.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I think the various messages in hood movies does get ignored sometimes. Its a "movie" to a lot of people, even to those who are doing the same things in real life. Paid in Full is one of the best examples of this because as you point out, this all pretty much happened. ✊🏾

[@JustinPrime85]

@@itakeonmovies I never saw Paid in Full (I was late to the Party) my friend a local hustler calls himself "Rich Porter" after seeing the movie I was like how dumb do you have to be to call yourself that?

[@boondock-saint]

I’m a young guy (2002) who grew up in the hood and it definitely motivated all of my “friends”, but always remember that sometimes people change when they become more knowledgeable and are even capable of understanding those larger themes Usually people are able to understand these themes when they’re looking at it from a 3rd person perspective, but when you’re just born into that and that world is just what you know, then Paid in Full seems less like a cautionary tale and more a depiction of reality. I really had accepted the probability that I would die early by gun violence, in a way similar to Mitch. I still have the motivation, but I put it to education and entrepreneurship; many of my old “friends” are still in the hood and won’t ever understand those themes in that light, but just wanted to share that perspective

[@HILAL19564]

The guys this movie is based on drawed huge inspiration from the movie scarface to become drug dealers . Scarface is also a cautionary tale and yet they got inspired by the parts of the movie where he made big money and not the parts where it went wrong

[@alexknox814]

Young people dont have alot of life's perspective yet, and society likes an outlyer billy the kid, NED KELLY in my own country, the craine brothers in england, bonnie n clyde, dazz Dillinger Al Capone, their metaphors for opposition or fighting against civilised society and its rules whitch are good for geeater but not everyone whitch wants to keep the average person a consumer

[@Dawntana]

Cautionary tale is a good way to describe hood movies, especially paid in full. Really shows u can have everything and have nothing at the same time if u play the drug game. U can think ur in control of everything, but it all eventually spirals into the dark hole that it is

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I think the fact Paid in Full really happened the way they show in the film (for the most part) just shows you how real it all is. Definitely agree with you that it's a lifestyle they think they're in control over. Just goes to show you there really are no rules in the street life.

[@YoungTCash]

Same when dealing with women

[@marquiscolon5771]

I ended rewatching this yesterday since I’m old enough to understand it more and finding out how much of it is actually true makes you feel the emotions of this movie on a whole other level! Thank you for providing your insight and creating this video to provide more knowledge behind this film 😌 definitely one of my all time favorites

[@boondock-saint]

I’m a young guy (2002) who grew up in the hood and it definitely motivated all of my “friends”, but always remember that sometimes people change when they become more knowledgeable and are even capable of understanding those larger themes Usually people are able to understand these themes when they’re looking at it from a 3rd person perspective, but when you’re just born into that and that world is just what you know, then Paid in Full seems less like a cautionary tale and more a depiction of reality. I really had accepted the probability that I would die early by gun violence, in a way similar to Mitch. I still have the motivation, but I put it to education and entrepreneurship; many of my old “friends” are still in the hood and won’t ever understand those themes in that light, but just wanted to share that perspective

[@itakeonmovies]

I agree with you although I think it can be both reality and a cautionary tale. I grew up similar to you, not a bad kid, just a product of my environment. A lot of what the people around me and myself did, was based off of what we knew, it was our reality like you're saying. However, I do think films like these show the consequences of those realities. I don't think they are made to glorify the street life, maybe some, but the truly great hood movies are made to educate folks in my opinion. Now when I was younger I didn't always see that way and to your point I had accepted that's just how things go, but luckily I had people in real life providing the lessons a lot of these movies are attempting to teach. Glad your channeling that energy into something positive. Keep going family! ✊🏾

[@BlackhearteddemonDirtyfaceAnge]

Most if not all of the so called hood movies can be relatable because you have viewers who ether actually living that life lived that life thinking about presueing that kind of life style born into it or just looking at it as another means of survival what ever these films are mostly base on fact with the fiction sprinkle tru to make um seem less harsh than they really are ijs

[@simplycleva]

I don't know how I missed this upload. Paid In Full is a comfort food movie for me. Learning about true story enhances the movie for sure.

[@itakeonmovies]

I feel the same way. Definitely one of those ones that's always entertaining to watch when it's on. But one of those movies where the true story is actually crazier than the film is.

[@BigDapPacino]

I had the " Game Over " DVD damn near half a decade before " Paid in Full" the movie was released...according to several sources, Damon Dash got into a argument with Harvey Weinstein over the lack of promotion that the movie recieved once his company got involved and Azie Faison did not want to be involved after he saw how Cam'ron portrayed Rico and he reminded him too much of the real Alpo but he is from Harlem and seen the real hustlers of the 80's as a kid...one big change was the Calvin character in real life was not killed by Alpo but he did go to prison for the robbery, murders, and assault on Azie...it was a very sad story !

[@ginacleveland7995]

I've always said if they had just stuck to the original story, that really would've blown this out the ballpark!!! The actual, factual story was amazing by itself!🔥🔥

[@jrodriguez9017]

I remember watching this when i went to Mexico for summer break during my highschool years because i never knew cam'ron was in the movie also was a big dipset fan at the time. I was impressed with the movie and the story. Sad but definitely memorable. Im glad i found your channel and subscribed

[@rgs8970]

I missed this one when it came out, which is a shame. Honestly Mekhi Phifer is an incredible actor, and I feel like he deserves to have projects written for him to star in at this point

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I 100% agree. Feel like he's kind of been delegated to side roles, or if he does lead, it's in a non-blockbuster film. I would've loved to see him star in a blockbuster film, he definitely has the chops and this film only solidifies that! ✊🏾

[@rolliemosley]

I used to wanna act out hood movies when i was younger, smh. But as a grown ass man with a career and educated, I think they paint blacks in a negative life. No other race gets the good looked over more than us. Blacks is the only race were being smart aint cool. I just think some movies stereotypes us more and more.

[@itakeonmovies]

I definitely agree. I think many movies do stereotype or exploit black culture and black people. However, I do think many of them are drawn from real life. I think hood movies are important, but I also think blacks deserve more types of films. Everything can't be a hood or slave movie!

[@paulhammSOLD]

Late to the party and haven't commented in awhile but viewing "Menace II Society" and "Paid in Full" as a husband and father who was the square in the hood for a period of time, it hits the hardest cause i knew "those people". Great video as usual brother.

[@yandhigaming420]

My friend showed me this for the first time two days ago.... wow this movie is good and sad af very moving

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah definitely a pretty moving movies based on some pretty crazy and heartbreaking real events.

[@PulaTheMusical-kp4go]

One of the best films I have watched 2024 still

[@itakeonmovies]

@PulaTheMusical-kp4go I 100% agree! The story is legendary, acting is solid, and for that, I think it'll always be a relevant film. ✊🏾

[@lowkeyIbes]

Paid in Full is mos def a classic film.

[@itakeonmovies]

Certified classic! ✊🏾

[@jlopez0710]

Hands down one of the best movies ever made. It didnt receive praise because there wasnt a huge backing behind it.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah the promotion behind the film was virtually non-existent. Nonetheless, it's a great movie! ✊🏾

[@casteltheghettomonk4392]

Cam'ron was shot in the arm 2 times in DC during a car robbery. They mistaken him for the real Alpo Martinez 😅 he really looks like him or like his son when you look closely

[@itakeonmovies]

And did he really? Lol. I must've missed that story, but it makes perfect sense. Buddy was too much like Alpo in this film lol

[@BigDapPacino]

Washington DC & PG County Maryland Street dudes who were hustling back when Alpo was in the DMV area during the late 80's to early 90's...did not like him at all because he snitched on alot of people to avoid getting the needle...even Wayne Perry who he paid to do alot of his dirty work plus Cam'ron & Jim Jones/ Dip Set would come to Washington DC...talking trash and flexing too much..Cam was driving a flashy Lambo down the streets and wolves were licking their chops!

[@mercer982]

"everybody eats" is the mindset that got him so far at the industry.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I think Azie/Ace in the film was definitely a real one who looked out foe his friends, but you see that loyalty only gets you so far in the street life.

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

Mekhi phifer killed this role he was also good in clockers & this movie called unvited guest I also feel like hood movies go over youngsters head this is supposed to keep them away from this lifestyle but they always end up doing the opposite

[@itakeonmovies]

Definitely! They were all good here Cam'ron surprised me in this one too. He was almost to much like Alpo. But definitely. You're seeing on screen real life actually play out. A lot of people only see the 10 minutes of flash and fun ignoring the other hour and a half that's heartbreaking. ✊🏾

[@joshuabelmonte12]

It's the same issue with war movies, most people ignore the horror and finality of war, but instead focus on the "cool" action and the camaraderie amongst the soldiers

[@faqu_0]

Another great one. Please don't change your format! ( adding jokes, sound effects, gifs) please please. Lol. Alot of these channels do that, and it messes up why we are all here! Ur amazing! And so is the movie and story.

[@videocook6631]

Im given it a #10 because i watch it more dan ten times

[@itakeonmovies]

I'm not mad at that at all. It's a solid movie forsure. I gotta reserve my 10s for the movies I consider perfect. There's not many of them..lol

[@2playschemeo.p.croutes724]

Menace to society was the most iconic , and epic movie for me as a kid. I tried to watch it with a friend ,who’s never seen it ,as an adult. That when I realized it wasn’t that good

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah it's definitely a bit dated, but I personally think Menace still holds up til this day. It's a classic story that touches on themes that are still relevant 30 years later.

[@20cutzz]

Especially when the grandfather says do you care if you live or die? And Caine says, I don't know. Many people and not just the young ones don't know the answer to that question nowadays either....

[@BigDapPacino]

I grew up with a couple of O-Dogs & Kanes!

[@2playschemeo.p.croutes724]

@@BigDapPacino I was the Odog of my neighborhood. The movie was basically a story about my life 😂

[@VontaiTV]

cam'ron was scaring me XD i would have left town after hearing "people get shot everyday b you be iigght"

[@deloismcduffie641]

Love all of this! Great job!

[@asghr9885]

amazing analysis can't believe I didn't fully know the true story

[@itakeonmovies]

Thank you! And yeah the story behind it all is pretty crazy.

[@grayzone4183]

Just finished watching it for the 3rd time great story, Mheki phife really brought money making Mitch back 2 life

[@itakeonmovies]

Completely agree. I think its a movie that severely gets overlooked in both terms of story and acting! Mekhi was great, but Alpo?? Cam'Ron was spot on too. Almost scary how accurate his portrayal was. ✊🏾

[@Batman-qx4os]

This was deep story and so sad at the end the mother suffered so much 😢

[@itakeonmovies]

Heartbreaking. Thats that life though.

[@tiggakayz]

What happened to Mitch's character in real life is tragic having your younger brother killed set up by your own blood and then getting killed by your best friend that some super messed up shit

[@Minty-fn]

I love this move and have watched it as many times as Boyz in the hood M2S and Scarface!

[@marquesjohnson6359]

I always thought paid in full was dope it's a classic like boyz in the hood or menace 2 society with great performances from wood Harris, Mekhi phifer, and Camron but i think camron's performance was the standout this movie and the true story shows it's not only so called enemies or strangers you have to watch out for but also people you may consider friends

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah Paid In Full is an underrated movie in general. Real story, and you're right great acting. I agree with everything you said here, they were all great, but Cam'ron legit was Alpo basically. Scary how good he was in this. ✊🏾

[@marquesjohnson6359]

@@itakeonmovies yeah I feel paid in full is a classic but underrated it should be talked about and analyzed as much as boyz in the hood or menace 2 society and camron was scary good in portraying alpho he was so good I hated him for years

[@KingAuthor83]

Good video. The knock cinematography was my only issue with this video. It was perfect for a period piece.

[@TheMossbergg]

ANOTHER excellent breakdown bro 👏🏾👏🏾..just subscribed

[@itakeonmovies]

I appreciate you fam! More to come. 🙏🏾

[@PrincessSaskia84]

Great video- never saw it but will defo watch: just what I needed after a horrid day day at work ❤️❤️😊

[@itakeonmovies]

Thank you and sorry about your day at work! A good movie usually can help get your mind off things. 🙏🏾✊🏾

[@josenesto8686]

Two movies I didn’t see in your movie collage: Fresh and First Time Felon..

[@itakeonmovies]

Have seen both and am a fan. Hope to do.an analysis on those soon! ✊🏾

[@hollymcduffie9342]

Love this!

[@movieandmusicscores5212]

Great video and great movie! 👍🏽

[@itakeonmovies]

✊🏾

[@zaceaton1074]

ace’s family wasn’t in the apartment when he was shot in the head. that’s his neighbors place - where he would stash his coke / money. his neighbors were killed that night

[@mojadah10]

He used the apartment for business and had family members working in the business. At least one of them was his Aunt.

[@zaceaton1074]

@@mojadah10 shit breaks my heart. damn kermit 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MrBananaClipps]

but what is crime? Crime is only defined by those who dictate it. America sells drugs, steals, and kills but do we call that crime? demonizing a "life of crime" is fallace without defining crime. your welcome

[@itakeonmovies]

A crime to me is something, usually an illegal activity, you can be punished or prosecuted for by committing. America selling drugs, killing etc. versus ole boy up the street selling drugs and killing are the same thing in my opinion. They are both illegal and are both crimes, just because one gets held accountable and the other usually doesn't, doesn't make it less of a crime. If my defense attorney in courts main argument was, "I shouldn't be prosecuted by the law for doing something illegal because America does illegal things", i'd be in trouble lol.

[@Blackrain7920]

Oh shut up

[@310MANRUTH]

The movie should been call play in full because the drug game was dirty

[@itakeonmovies]

A dirty game foreal that hardly ever ends on a happy note.

[@310MANRUTH]

I'm from Washington DC. I knew Aplo from the street back in the days

[@casteltheghettomonk4392]

Amazing movie 🎥 The Hood Scarface

[@itakeonmovies]

Great analogy! Definitely the hood Scarface lol

[@ChristopherMosley-dj3kt]

The original story was a cautionary tale but Jay Z and Dame Dash 🦝ed it down quite a bit

[@damienlahoz]

people talk about representation in hollywood. why is the representation of brown and black people always linked to crime, jail, and poverty? is that supposed to be all we are about? throwing a black actor into a marvel movie a Disney remake or a lord of the rings show is not representation either. there is nothing authentic about a black mermaid, it means little. representation is supposed to be a character that represents a real aspect of life for brown and black people. while the streets are an unfortunate reality for many of us it is not who we are. This is why i love what Sony has done with Miles Morales. while yes it is an animated film, Miles and his family are a very real representation of an american afro latino family trying to live and survive in nyc. take away the superhero stuff and you still have a story that black and brown people can relate to and get real positive meaning from. All these hood movies as the narrator calls them, they cant do that because their message if they have one is that we are all poor underprivileged thugs with no control and the good ones in the group are the ones who sell drugs "the right way". its fn sad. this is what hollywood thinks of us. there are so many more stories that can and should be told from a black and brown perspective. our actors need to stop taking token roles so that hollywood can say "look! a black elf! REPRESNTAION!!". Is our money not green? We deserve better

[@TheShadoman14]

8 outta 10 is Disrespectful B

[@jaspercooper5180]

10.....💯💯💯💯💯

[@itakeonmovies]

I'm not even mad at that! It's a great movie.

[@abujunior8576]

A dry cleaner not laundromat

[@mohammedsaqlain9613]

9/10

[@itakeonmovies]

I feel that.

[@Blackrain7920]

Dude its a hood movie what do u mean dialogue and cinematography lol

[@rotherthies]

You repeated your self multiple time, talking in circles. Get to the point. Also most of the meaty details of the movie were fabricated by the writers. AZ has been very vocal about that fact. For example he never snitched on Rico.

[@itakeonmovies]

Cool, I'll keep that in mind next time. And yeah, at the end of the day It's a movie, of course some aspects are going to be fabricated, but I never stated it was 100% true. I do think it's true enough for the themes to still matter. AZ not snitching is one of, if not the only detail he's mentioned, wasn't true. To my knowledge, he's on record, stating most of it happened.

[@rotherthies]

@itakeonmovies nah man there is alot that was wrong. The movie acts like this all happened in the same year where as in real life it was only a few of the major events over a 6 year period. A whole lot more actually happened. The snitching seem like what he is always talking about because that was what he was most vocal about. But he had issue with most of the movie. Like don't get me wrong here I love PIF I'm just pointing out that as a "true story" the only accuracy was the names, setting and a few of the major events. Like his relationship with LuLu, they became as close of friends as he was with Ritch. The heartless way it showed him going thru Lulu shit while he dead on the floor with no emotion that his friend was dead. Az has issue with pretty much the entire movie. His Vlad interview goes over alot of it, and Vlad basically tries to get him to retell the entire thing..

[@jagemc]

😂😂😂

[@napoleonblakneyjr.8405]

The actingin tgat was awful. Stop it!!

[@moarif9139]

boring