On this day September 4, 1987, Penitentiary III premiered in theaters. Written and directed by Jamaa Fanaka, the sports drama starred Leon Isaac Kennedy, Anthony Geary, Steve Antin, Ricardo Williams, and Jamaa Fanaka. The story follows Too Sweet, a talented boxer whose success inside the ring brings new challenges outside of it. When he is forced to face the intimidating heavyweight known as The Midnight Thud, Too Sweet must rely on determination and skill to overcome his toughest opponent yet.
As the third and final film in the Penitentiary series, the movie continued the blend of boxing, action, and street drama that made the earlier films popular. Leon Isaac Kennedy returned to the role that had made him one of the recognizable stars of independent action films during the late 1970s and 1980s.
80s insight: Penitentiary III brought the popular trilogy to a close and remained true to the series’ underdog spirit. Fans of boxing movies continue to remember the films for their energetic fight scenes and Leon Isaac Kennedy’s memorable performance as Too Sweet.
