Performance & Direction: Penitentiary II Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Penitentiary II (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Penitentiary II features a noteworthy lineup led by Leon Isaac Kennedy . Supported by the likes of Glynn Turman and Ernie Hudson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Penitentiary II
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Penitentiary II is a Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama film directed by Jamaa Fanaka. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Leon Isaac Kennedy.
Ending Explained: Penitentiary II
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jamaa Fanaka, Penitentiary II attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Leon Isaac Kennedy, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Penitentiary II reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Penitentiary II Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Penitentiary II incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, thriller, crime, drama film directed by Jamaa Fanaka, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Leon Isaac Kennedy's character.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Penitentiary II adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Penitentiary II?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Penitentiary II
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $365.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Penitentiary II Budget
The estimated production budget for Penitentiary II is $365.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Penitentiary II
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Where to Watch Penitentiary II Online?
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1982 AdvisoryWondering about Penitentiary II age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Penitentiary II is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.0/10, and global performance metrics, Penitentiary II is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penitentiary II worth watching?
Penitentiary II is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 4/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Penitentiary II parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Penitentiary II identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Penitentiary II?
The total duration of Penitentiary II is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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