Gimme the Loot

Name: Gimme the Loot
Item: Gimme the Loot
Rating: 3
Author: Jeffrey M. Anderson

Movie review by

Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 16+

(i)

Fun, low-budget story of New York teens has language, drugs.

NR
2013
85 minutes

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Positive Messages

Ultimately, the main characters seem to realize that their unlawful schemes aren't going to pay off; at that point, they begin to understand the importance of friends, loved ones, and family.

Positive Role Models & Representations

The two main characters are teens who seem to be good at heart, but both engage in unlawful activities throughout the movie, including graffiti, stealing, intending to steal, selling stolen goods, selling drugs, smoking pot, etc. The movie suggests, but has no clear indication, that they've changed their ways.

Violence

Several threats and arguments, but very little actual violence. Some teen boys gang up on a teen girl, grab her, hold her, and "tag" her T-shirt. Two younger boys steal the main female character's bike; she chases them, catches one, treats him roughly, and steals his phone.

Sex

The main male character passionately kisses a girl he's just met. They begin to settle into a sexual position but are interrupted. Also lots of sexual discussion and innuendo, including a conversation about "wet dreams."

Language

Constant strong language, including dozens of uses of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "p---y," the "N" word, "bitch," "ass," "d--k," "retarded," and "damn."

Consumerism

The movie was shot on the streets of New York City, and some advertising signs/logos are visible in the background, such as Haagen-Dazs, but all of it is intended as background color, rather than product placement.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

One of the two main teen characters is a drug dealer. He picks up packages of pot and delivers them to clients. At one stop, he smokes some of it with a teen girl.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Gimme the Loot is a low-budget comedy-drama about two teen graffiti artists in New York City. (The title is borrowed from a Notorious B.I.G. hip-hop song.) Though they're good people at heart, they're shown stealing, selling stolen goods, dealing drugs, smoking pot, and painting graffiti. Language is also very strong, with constant use of words including "f--k," "s--t," the "N" word, and "p---y." There's a fair bit of sexual innuendo, as well as some kissing and a prematurely interrupted sex scene. Violence is also a minor issue, with a gang of kids grabbing a teen girl, holding her, and "tagging" her T-shirt. There are also several threats and arguments. The characters eventually seem to learn that their behavior is getting them nowhere and that family, friends, and loved ones are more important. Though it's not entirely admirable, many teens will enjoy this movie.

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What's the story?

When one of their artworks is defaced, Bronx graffiti artists Sofia (Tashiana Washington) and Malcolm (Ty Hickson) decide to take on a bigger canvas: the Mets' home run apple. Malcolm knows a guy who can get them inside the ballpark, but he requires $500 in bribe money, which Malcolm and Sofia must raise over the course of a long day. Sofia thinks she can sell some spray paint cans, but she winds up losing her bike. Meanwhile, Malcolm, who deals pot on the side, finds a new opportunity: One of his customers is a rich girl (Zoe Lescaze) with an easily accessible jewelry case. Can Malcolm and Sofia reach their goal, or will New York City wear them down?

Is it any good?

New York writer/director Adam Leon makes a most impressive independent debut with GIMME THE LOOT. Though it's a realistic movie about the African-American experience in New York City, it's also devoid of over-earnestness, documentary realism, shaky-cam effects, hip-hop music, and downbeat hopelessness. Instead, it's a great deal of fun, emotionally touching, and even surprisingly old-fashioned.

It's interesting that Leon doesn't soft-pedal his characters. They may have good hearts, but they most certainly have criminal tendencies: graffiti, stealing, selling stolen goods, dealing drugs, etc. The leads' strong performances help. Likewise, the rest of the characters are nicely complex, despite their brief amounts of screen time, notably Malcolm's fickle, upper-crust customer, who offers an interesting mix of wisdom and cruelty in her character. In the bigger picture, Leon also makes great characters out of New York City's lesser-known neighborhoods.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about Gimme the Loot's main characters. Are they role models? Are they good people, despite the ways that they make money and spend their time? Why or why not?
Did you notice any stereotyping in the movie?
Does the movie glorify crime or make it look exciting?
How did you see the movie's ending? Would it have been better for the characters if they had achieved their goal the way they originally planned? What did they learn?