Penitentiary II (1982)

Hey Cannon Cruisers fans! This week, we’re stepping into the ring with Penitentiary II (1982), directed by Jamaa Fanaka. Leon Isaac Kennedy returns as Too Sweet, an ex-con trying to build a new life but pulled back into violence when his old rival, Half Dead Johnson (Ernie Hudson), escapes and comes gunning for him. With Mr. T in a supporting role, the film doubles down on the mix of prison drama, revenge, and boxing spectacle. We get into the film’s blend of blaxploitation, sports drama, and over-the-top 80s energy, as well as the way it expands on the original’s themes of survival and redemption. From outrageous characters to wild narrative turns, Penitentiary II shows how a sequel can crank things up while still carrying the weight of its predecessor. Tune in as we talk about its strengths, its stranger choices, and its place in this gritty series.