Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison

Great ensemble cast in addition to Malco (who also wrote and directed) and Hall bring this indie together in unexpected ways. The main character Tijuana Jackson is an ex-convict with ambition to be a world renowned life coach/motivational speaker. Hilarious rap-preaching in and out of prison, with lines you're going to have to rewind and repeat, and still might not make sense. He might be around the edges but his heart is in the right place, The tone changes from scene to scene as we see TJ and Cheryl (Regina Hall), his parole officer, through the lens of a couple of soon to be college grads versus through the gorgeous cinematography of John Rosario. Great preamble to important conversations about some of what black Americans have been grappling with for decades and are coming to a boiling point again in 2020. This is one of those films that plays with tension designed to tug at complex emotions, make you not know how you're supposed to feel or think, then jabs you with a belly laugh. Great directorial debut. Impressive.

Tijuana Jackson (Romany Malco) said in the show: "Seek purpose, and let success find you," and this clearly has a message and a purpose. I also find the 'fly-on-the-wall' filming style fit this kind of story perfectly as it makes it feel more realistic and relatable to many people.

No BS, this movie was a masterpiece. The movie really dropped gems inside the laughs. The dialogue was pure gold. Romany write, directed, and starred in the film and really knocked it out the park! Well worth the wait. The actors all delivered!

I was not sure at first, but this movie was actually really funny and had a positive message. This is a must see!

Tijuana Jackson Purpose Over Prison was filmed a few years ago, but couldn't have been released at a more poignant moment in history. With the current climate finally shedding light on topics long hidden from the public view, this movie reinforces the truths being shared all over social media today. Tijuana's story shows the truth of the criminal "justice" system. It also reveals how families shun, rather than support inmates as they exit prison, and try to find their feet. Watching the pain in TJ's face as he tries to integrate with society... well let's just say it broke my heart. It reminds me of times I have watched exactly this scene play out with loved ones, and it showed me where I played the role of fed-up sister. It was truly transformational, and really helped me see where I can be a better support person and advocate.

You can't afford to miss this film. The creator and star Romany Malco, is a visionary, a groundbreaker, and a man before his time. If I had to pick only one person to follow in the film industry for the rest of my days, it would be Romany. Hands down.

To be totally honest, I laughed and cried through the whole thing. Then I rented it again, with the same results. I can't wait to purchase the DVD copy, and I am even more excited to see where TJ's story goes next.