WHASSUP? TOUGH, TRUE TALE OF '80S DRUG TRADE

Paid in Full (B-) takes a surprisingly serious look at the drug trade in
Harlem during the high-flying '80s.

Director Charles Stone III, who previously directed Whassup commercials for
Budweiser, sidesteps an exploitation tag with a tough-minded tale about the
allure and perils of the dealing life. Step onto the stage, as the high
life was called, and you become very visible. Moreover, the monetary
rewards were immense, as much as $50,000 a day.

Wood Harris stars as Lucky, a quiet kid who starts out working in a
dry-cleaning store and finds his way to the top of the cocaine chain. Mekhi
Phifer plays his pal, a more flamboyant hustler. These are likable
characters caught up in one of the few activities in which they see an
American-dream-like payoff.

The ending doesn't quite get where it needs to go; some of the script's
more emotional currents aren't fully explored. Still, Paid in Full, based
on a true story, boasts strong performances, a sense of authenticity, a
strong debut performance from rapper Cam'Ron and a memorable turn from Esai
Morales as a smooth drug dealer. R: Violence and profanity.

Other People's Life (C-) This dull Italian import played the recently
concluded Starz Denver International Film Festival and now begins a
commercial run at the Starz FilmCenter. The movie focuses on an aging
mobster (Renato Carpentieri) who must deal with betrayal by his friends.

Carpentieri's character lives by a code his compatriots ignore. Set on the
slopes of Vesuvius, the movie treats volatile ingredients in plodding
fashion and features a musical score so sentimental it sounds as if it
belongs with another film. Unrated, violence.