Percentage

Percentage is an edgy, urban crime thriller that captivates the audience with an adrenaline-fueled narrative, detailed cinematic shots bringing the gritty backdrop alive, and compelling characters that are deeply rooted in the underworld.

Set against the raw and pulsating screen of Miami, the movie revolves around two central characters from New York - Ant (played by Cam'ron) and Carter (played by Omar Gooding). Both are small-time cons who move south after an ill-fated scam that burns their bridges up north. However, Miami is far from a tranquil paradise. It is a gritty battleground where mafioso, policemen and conmen run deep. Thrust into this sordid realm, both men quickly adapt to their new environment, and to survive within the corruption, they leverage their cunningness. They start exploiting the master thieves' golden rule - "Stick to your own percentage".

As they delve deeper into the criminal world, they open an illicit credit card operation. Business booms and they start living the high life – high stakes, big money, and the apparent promise of an elusive American dream. But, this overnight success also draws the attention of the local law enforcement and other criminals who are looking for a piece of the pie. Among those on their tail is the menacing underworld kingpin Detective Bryant, depicted menacingly by actor Ving Rhames.

The uncanny skill of the director, Alex Merkin, and writer, Elya Ottenberg, is evident in how they have painted the underworld of Miami. The city at night is a neon-drenched vice haven, the lavish clubs serve as operation bases, and the back alleys team with scams unfolding. Yet, the shine of Miami's beaches and the sly allure of deceptive prosperity provide an unsuspecting canvas for this murky tale to carve its essence.

Cam’ron, who plays Ant, delivers a remarkable performance, embodying a street-smart hustler who is equal parts ambitious and resourceful. He is believable and fully inhabits his character, shedding all traces of his real-life rap persona. On the other hand, Carter, played by Omar Gooding, is the affable rogue and the full-time hustler, perfectly played in all his complexity by Gooding. The chemistry between the two leads is impressive and serves as a strong anchor for the movie.

The standout of the movie though is Ving Rhames' turn as Detective Bryant, a seasoned detective with a questionable moral compass who is out hunting these out-of-town criminals trying to capitalize on his territory. Rhames is truly terrifying, bringing a visceral, unpredictable energy to his role. His performance imbues the movie with a sense of relentless danger and elevates it from being just another crime drama to a psychological exploration of survival.

While Percentage pulls you into the superficial glamour of Miami's club scene, at its core it remains a fascinating study of the mafia underworld and the intrinsic human struggle for power and survival. It is a narrative about alliances, survival, and double crosses; it’s about the thin line that separates the good from bad, a recurring theme in many memorable crime dramas.

The movie does a great job of creating tension and suspense with its tightly woven plot and by intelligently employing sound and visual cues. Given the sizzling background it is set in, the film is shot beautifully with an ambiance suiting a high-stakes crime thriller. Not to mention that the ending will leave you on the edge of your seat.

In a nutshell, Percentage is a smorgasbord of a potent crime narrative, remarkable performances, and striking cinematography. It is a deftly crafted underworld tale that will appeal to crime movie enthusiasts and fans of the lead actors. With its unique storytelling style, it is worth watching for those who appreciate the complexities of crime thrillers. It is a testament that despite its modest budget, effective performances and a gripping narrative can surely make a film stand out. It's a cinematic journey through murky waters of crime, guilt, and survival that doesn't shy away from showing the grisly side of a paradise city.