3 Strikes

3 Strikes is a comedy set in a California where a new law imposes harsh sentences on repeat offenders. Rob Douglas, played by Brian Hooks, has two prior convictions behind him and has just been released from prison. He wants to stay out of trouble and build a normal life with his girlfriend Juanita, played by N'Bushe Wright. His plans fall apart when a friend collects him from the facility and is pulled over by police. The friend opens fire on the officers, and Rob flees the scene. Wanted in connection with the shooting, he has to prove he had nothing to do with it before a third conviction sends him away for a long time.

The film was written and directed by DJ Pooh, the first of the two features he directed, followed by The Wash in 2001. Alongside Hooks and Wright, the cast includes Faizon Love as Tone, the rapper E-40 as Mike, Starletta DuPois as Rob's mother and George Wallace as his father. Made for about 3 million dollars, it took roughly 10 million dollars worldwide, a solid return on its budget.

Audience reactions were mixed. On IMDb it holds a rating of 4.7 out of 10 from around 3,900 votes, and on TMDB it sits at 5.6 out of 10 from 60 votes. The film runs 82 minutes and blends action and romance into its comic premise.