Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison
| Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Romany Malco |
| Written by | Romany Malco |
| Produced by | Josh Etting Brian R. Etting |
| Starring | Romany Malco |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Cranked Up Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison is a 2020 American comedy film written by, directed by and starring Romany Malco.
Plot
[edit] | This article needs a plot summary. (March 2024) |
Cast
[edit]- Romany Malco as Tijuana Jackson
- Regina Hall as Cheryl Wagner
- Alkoya Brunson Lil' Eric Jackson
- Shannon Dang as Rachel Cho
- Tami Roman as Sharea Jackson
- Lyne Odums as Momma Jackson
Release
[edit]The film was released on demand on July 10, 2020.[1]
Reception
[edit]The film has a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on six reviews.[2] Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post awarded the film two stars out of four.[3] Jeffrey M. Anderson of the San Francisco Examiner awarded the film three stars.[4] Joyce Slaton of Common Sense Media awarded the film four stars out of five.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (April 15, 2020). "Cranked Up Films Lands Romany Malco-Helmed Comedy 'Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison' With Regina Hall". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ "Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ Oleksinski, Johnny (July 30, 2020). "'Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison' review — A lesser mockumentary". New York Post. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ Anderson, Jeffrey M. (July 30, 2020). "New on demand: 'Tijuana Jackson,' 'The Fight,' 'Around the Sun'". San Francisco Examiner. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ Slaton, Joyce. "Parents' Guide to Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison". Common Sense Media. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison at IMDb
- Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison at Rotten Tomatoes Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison is a 2020 mockumentary-style comedy-drama written, directed by, and starring Romany Malco as Tijuana “TJ” Jackson, a formerly incarcerated man determined to become a motivational speaker.
The film follows TJ after his release from prison, with an amateur film crew documenting his reentry journey and pursuit of self-improvement. Though determined to turn his life around, TJ’s path is full of obstacles, including skepticism from his family, the strict supervision of his parole officer Cheryl (played by Regina Hall), and his own impulsive choices.
At one point, TJ jumps at what appears to be a golden opportunity: an invitation to speak at a Toastmasters event in Orlando. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a law enforcement sting operation targeting individuals with warrants. He’s arrested on the spot, but the film crew bails him out shortly after.
However, TJ’s troubles aren’t over. His parole officer Cheryl discovers he lied about his employment and submitted fake paystubs, violating the conditions of his parole. As a result, she has him arrested and sent back to prison for 13 months.
Upon release, TJ is met with Cheryl’s firm but unyielding attitude. This tough love finally begins to take root. He gets a steady job at a local market and starts taking real steps toward change. By the end of the film, TJ has launched a prison outreach program, formed his own LLC, and is making meaningful progress, demonstrating that even after setbacks, purpose can still prevail.