The movie is set, according to an opening title, in 1999. Not sure why it wasn't just set in the present, as nothing particularly time-specific happens, but given that they set it then, there is a goof. In one of the scenes at the projects, a kid is repeatedly shown wearing a "G-Unit" shirt. I'm no expert on 50 Cent and his crew, but I'm pretty sure G-Unit, or at least the merchandising of it, didn't start until 2002 or so.
By the way, if you liked the movie at all, I highly encourage you to read the original book by Richard Price. It's a huge book, and has a lot of fascinating details on the characters, who have to be rather hastily presented in the movie. Another interesting difference: Freedomland in the book is an abandoned amusement park, not a children's home.
By the way, if you liked the movie at all, I highly encourage you to read the original book by Richard Price. It's a huge book, and has a lot of fascinating details on the characters, who have to be rather hastily presented in the movie. Another interesting difference: Freedomland in the book is an abandoned amusement park, not a children's home.