I wasn't sure what to expect when sitting down for this documentary feature film. What I for sure did not expect, however, is the emotional roller coaster that "Lovely Jackson" provides the audience. I can't remember the last time I cried so much!
But it's not all sad: you'd think a movie about a guy wrongfully imprisoned for 39 years would be a complete "Eeyore" of a movie from start to finish. But it's not. I cry-cried, almost sobbing, but then there were laugh-cries too. Really hard to be the tough guy seeing this one, but thankfully the theater was dark and Mom brought tissues.
The only tough guy in the room was Ricky Jackson onscreen. And rightfully so. He earned that moniker for life though I'm sorry he had to.
The way his story is conveyed takes you through all of RJ's emotions, experiences and breakthroughs. There is an amazing mix of true life grit with artful presentation. The film should speak to all walks of life in so many ways.
This is one of those films that will and should stick with you, constantly at the forefront of your mind. It should serve to remind you that whatever life throws at you, for however long, nothing can be as challenging as what Mr. Jackson faced. And, to see how he copes with the after affects and everyone is his life should serve as an example of how everyone the world over should behave.
Cheers to Mr. Jackson, filmmaker, cast and crew for being courageous enough to show us all how to live "happily ever after."
