State Property (2002)

Beans decides that the only way to grasp the American Dream is to take it. State Property follows Beans and his crew, as they take over the city creating mayhem as their empire builds.

Director:

Abdul Malik Abbott

Writers:

Abdul Malik Abbott, Ernest 'Tron' Anderson

Stars:

Beanie Sigel, Omillio Sparks, Memphis Bleek

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Beanie Sigel	...	Beans
Omillio Sparks	...	Baby Boy
Memphis Bleek	...	Blizz
Damon Dash	...	'Boss' Dame
Sundy Carter	...	Aisha
Tyran 'Ty-Ty' Smith	...	Shareef
Oschino	...	D-Nice
Jay-Z	...	Untouchable J
Brother Newz	...	P-Nut
Randolph Curtis Rand	...	Saul Weisberg
Nicole Madeo	...	Leslie Tucci
Leslie Pilgrim	...	Aja
Kyndra Monet	...	Selena
Pain in da Ass	...	Mario
Dee Lee	...	Poochie

Storyline

Frustrated with being broke, Beans (Beanie Sigel) decides that the only way to grasp the American Dream is to take it. The film follows Beans and his crew, the ABM, as they take over the city, creating mayhem as their empire builds. Beans now struggles to maintain his family life while bumping heads with opposing gangsters and police. It all comes to a head when he cannot surpass the city's most notorious crew, run by Untouchable J (Jay-Z) and Dame (Damon Dash). The moves Beans and the ABM decide to make come with severe consequences.

---

Plot Keywords:

hood | gangster | rap music | hip hop | drug lord | 

---

Taglines:

You Either Get Down Or You Lay Down.

---

Genres:

Drama | Crime | Action

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence and sexuality, nonstop language, and drug content

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the scene where Beans confronts E, the gun really goes off and fires the blank into the actor's hand. His reaction is authentic and the actors didn't break character, resulting in a perfect take despite the profuse bleeding.

---

Goofs

When Amil is sitting on the steps talking to her friends, one of the girls behind is alternately brushing/not brushing her hair between shots.

---

Quotes

Beans: Look at us man. Just chillin'. Enjoying the fruits of our *fuckin'* labor.

---

Connections

Followed by State Property 2 (2005)

---

Soundtracks

Roc the Mic
(feat. Beanie Sigel and Freeway)
Performed by State Property
Written by D. Grant, J. Smith, Freeway (as L. Pridgen)
Published by Shakur Al-Din / Hitco South / F.O.B. Music Publishing (ASCAP) / Efartooee Music
Courtesy of Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC
Produced by Just Blaze for F.O.B. Entertainment / N.Q.C. Management / Roc The World

User Reviews

Gangster film like we've seen since the 1930's

State Property (2002) was a typical gangster (now gangsta') movie like we've seen since the 1930's. A previous IMDB reviewer wrote that it alluded to Goodfellas. It goes back much further than that. Beans Sigel's character, Beans, is very reminiscent of Rico Bandello, from Little Caesar (1930's). (Rico's character has become so intertwined with popular culture, it is parodized by Chief Wiggum on the Simpsons).

Beans, tired of being broke, and seeing no end to his financial troubles in sight, decides that the only way to improve his station in life is to make it happen his own way- through a murderous rampage to extend his criminal empire. Sounds familiar? It should if you've seen Scarface, Little Caesar, Goodfellas, and literally dozens of other crime/gangster/gangsta' movies. Like all of these movies, the ambitious young character, Beans, not satisfied with an incredible fortune wants more, possible too much. Also, much like many of the central characters that came before him, more than money, Beans wants respect.

The movie was better than IMDB users have rated it, but not stellar. Parts of it are gripping, but from the moment Beans gets his grand idea of starting his criminal empire, you know how it will end. It's enjoyable if you like gangster films and are fascinated by the justifications of morality that these gangsters use. But if you're looking for an installation that brings a whole new twist to a genre, look elsewhere. This plot's been done. Ironically, towards the end, Beans encapsulates this point perfectly: "The players change; the game stays the same." Beans is the new player, in a plot dating back almost a century.

Cheers,

TK

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 January 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Get Down or Lay Down

Filming Locations:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$452,028, 20 January 2002

Gross USA:

$2,106,838

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,106,838

Company Credits

Production Co:

Roc-a-fella Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1