Waist Deep 2006

As former convict Otis (Tyrese Gibson), also known as “O2” due to his uncanny ability to disappear like oxygen from a crime scene, navigates the complexities of reformed life, he’s resolute in keeping his word to stay trouble-free and never leave his young son, Otis Jr. (Henry Hunter Hall), behind. This unyielding commitment is put to the ultimate test when O2 arrives late to pick Junior up from school, only to see his vintage 1960s Chevrolet Impala SS Lowrider convertible stolen at gunpoint in a bustling Southland intersection with Junior safely ensconced in the back seat.

In hot pursuit of the hijacked vehicle, O2 engages in a violent shootout with the carjackers, circumstances that ultimately render it impossible for him to seek police assistance. However, his relentless determination leads him to track down Coco (Meagan Good), an underworld figure who peddles stolen goods on the streets for P Money (Julius Denem), a ruthless enforcer. O2 is well aware that she’s the mastermind behind the carjacking and forces her cooperation in retrieving Junior.

As they navigate the treacherous underbelly, O2 also enlists the dubious support of Lucky (Larenz Tate), his unreliable cousin who works for Big Meat (Jayceon “Game” Taylor), the brutal leader of the Outlaw Syndicate. After hours of tireless searching, Lucky returns with devastating news: Junior has fallen into Meat’s clutches, and the latter is demanding a staggering $100,000 ransom by midnight the following night, or Junior will meet a tragic fate.

With Meat (the main antagonist) convinced that O2 still harbors the ill-gotten gains from their last heist – an operation that landed O2 six years in prison – Otis vehemently denies possessing any funds. However, Meat’s sinister motives are rooted in their former partnership in crime, and he believes O2 is secretly holding onto the loot. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, O2 must now confront his troubled past and summon every ounce of resolve to rescue Junior before it’s too late.

In a last-ditch effort to secure their freedom, O2 (character) concocts a daring plan with Coco: they’ll orchestrate a series of cleverly staged robberies between rival gangs P Money’s and Big Meat’s operations, deliberately instigating a full-blown gang war that will hopefully decimate both factions and clear the path for O2 and Coco to rescue Junior. The first successful heist yields a cache of safe deposit box keys belonging to multiple local banks, prompting O2 and Coco to embark on a string of bank robberies and plunder expensive jewelry. Lucky, eager to prove his worth, offers to dispose of the ill-gotten gains, unaware that they belong to Big Meat.

The next day, with time running out, O2 and Coco stage a series of daring bank robberies, amassing a fortune in jewels. However, their plan is soon discovered by Big Meat, who, unbeknownst to Lucky, has no intention of sparing Junior’s life. As the meeting between Lucky, O2, Coco, and Big Meat unfolds, it becomes clear that Big Meat intends to eliminate O2 once and for all.

The ensuing confrontation takes place in an alleyway, where a tense standoff ensues. When Big Meat signals one of his henchmen to kill Junior, Lucky intervenes, tackling the would-be assassin as he attempts to shoot multiple times. In the chaos, Lucky is struck by a bullet in the side of the chest. O2 swiftly dispatches Big Meat’s men, leaving only their leader. With no shots remaining, O2 exacts his revenge, killing Big Meat and reclaiming Junior.

As they make their escape, they stop at a gas station to tend to Lucky’s wound. However, it soon becomes apparent that Lucky has succumbed to his injuries. O2 resolves to get Lucky to a hospital, but it’s too late. With the authorities hot on their heels, O2 and Coco abandon their vehicle and take refuge in an abandoned parking lot.

O2 instructs Coco to spirit Junior away to the Mexican border while he evades capture. As Coco and Junior make their escape, O2 finds himself being pursued by police. He’s eventually cornered at a dead end, with no escape route available except for the lake below. Recognizing his predicament, O2 takes the plunge, driving straight into the water.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, Coco and Junior are settling into a new life on the beachside. As they take their daily stroll, Junior spots something in the distance. To their surprise, it’s none other than O2, who has managed to escape the ocean’s clutches and return to them as promised. The trio is finally reunited, their bond stronger than ever.