Gimme the Loot

Gimme the Loot is a 2012 independent comedy-drama film directed by Adam Leon. It follows the two teenage graffiti artists Malcolm (Ty Hickson) and Sophia (Tashiana Washington) as they plan to tag a high-profile location in New York City. They decide to target the New York Mets' home stadium, Citi Field, which they hope to hit with a giant colorful tag of a yellow "NY" symbol. To achieve their goal, they need to raise $500 to bribe a security guard to let them into the stadium.

The movie is set in the Bronx and is a slice-of-life depiction of inner-city youth trying to make a name for themselves. At its heart, it's a fun and touching story about two best friends who are more like siblings, growing up in a tough environment where crime and violence are the norm. The film is not just about the graffiti culture, but the friendship between Malcolm and Sophia and the broader themes of social inequality and disadvantage.

Gimme the Loot has a gritty and realistic feel to it, with the director choosing to shoot it mostly in natural light and in real locations. The movie avoids stereotypical portrayals of black and Hispanic youth, and instead, shows them as multi-dimensional characters with their own thoughts and feelings. Malcolm and Sophia are shown as funny, talented, and ambitious teenagers who are trying to find a way to make a name for themselves amidst the chaos of their daily lives.

The plot of Gimme the Loot revolves around Malcolm and Sophia trying to come up with the money they need to bribe the stadium security guard. They decide to sell their stash of spray paint to a local dealer, who gives them a pittance in return. The rest of the film follows the two on their journey as they take part in various schemes to get the money they need, including Malcolm's dealings with an old-time hustler (played by Joshua Rivera) and Sophia's work as a nanny for a wealthy white family.

Throughout the movie, Malcolm and Sophia are met with various obstacles, including a rival graffiti crew who seeks to stop them from tagging the stadium. There are moments of tension and conflict, but the film never loses its sense of fun and joyfulness. There are also scenes of heartbreak, such as when Sophia is sexually assaulted by a wealthy white man, which highlight the harsh realities of life in the Bronx.

What sets Gimme the Loot apart from other movies about urban youth is its focus on the art of graffiti. The film captures the essence of the culture and shows the viewer the beauty of the colorful and expressive street art. There is a sense of artistic fulfillment and accomplishment for Malcolm and Sophia when they finally reach their goal, and some of the most powerful scenes in the movie are their moments of creative inspiration.

Overall, Gimme the Loot is a must-watch for fans of independent cinema and anyone interested in seeing a movie that showcases the realities of life for urban youth. It's a funny, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking story about friendship, ambition, and the struggles of growing up in a tough environment. The film features fantastic performances from Ty Hickson and Tashiana Washington and is a testament to the power of low-budget, self-financed filmmaking.