Watch Penitentiary II

Penitentiary II is a 1982 action drama movie that follows the exploits of an ex-con named Martel "Too Sweet" Gordone, played by Leon Isaac Kennedy, as he tries to make a living as a professional boxer while avoiding the criminal underworld that seems to constantly pull him back in. The movie is a sequel to the 1979 film Penitentiary, which also starred Kennedy in the lead role.

The movie opens with Gordone being released from prison after serving his sentence for the murder of a rival boxer. Despite his hopes of starting a new life on the outside, Gordone quickly finds himself back in the world of boxing, where he discovers that the sport is now dominated by corrupt promoters and gangsters who manipulate the matches for their own gain. Determined to make a name for himself and to clear his name of the murder charge, Gordone sets his sights on the championship belt and begins to train for his comeback fight.

Along the way, Gordone encounters a colorful cast of characters, including his trainer Seldom Seen, played by Ernie Hudson, and his friend and former cellmate Half Dead, played by Glynn Turman. Seldom Seen is a seasoned boxing trainer who takes Gordone under his wing and helps him prepare for his matches, while Half Dead is a street-smart hustler who introduces Gordone to the seedy side of the boxing world.

As Gordone continues his training, he becomes the target of the corrupt promoters and gangsters who want to ensure that he never gets a shot at the championship belt. He also becomes romantically involved with a woman named Clarisse, played by Peggy Blow, who supports his dream of becoming a boxer despite the dangers that come with the sport. With the help of his friends and his own determination, Gordone eventually manages to overcome his obstacles and earn his shot at the championship.

Penitentiary II is a high-energy action film that combines elements of the sports movie genre with the criminal underworld drama. The movie depicts a gritty and realistic portrayal of the boxing world, highlighting the corruption and violence that often accompanies the sport. The fight scenes are intense and visceral, with Kennedy delivering powerful and convincing performances as a boxer.

One of the movie's strengths is its ensemble cast, with each member bringing their own unique personality and perspective to the story. Kennedy is charismatic and likable as Gordone, and his chemistry with Hudson and Turman is particularly strong. Hudson is convincing as the grizzled trainer who has seen it all, while Turman's portrayal of the street-wise Half Dead adds a level of comic relief to the movie.

Overall, Penitentiary II is a solid sequel that continues the story of its predecessor while showcasing its own unique style and tone. It's a must-see for fans of action movies and boxing films, and it solidifies Kennedy's status as a notable actor of the era.

Penitentiary II is a 1982 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.