User reviews

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.

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

Despite conventional flaws; "Tijuana Jackson: Purpose Over Prison" still manages to prove to audiences that it has its heart in the right place.

In this mockumentary, an ex convict on parole is set on becoming a world renowned motivational speaker.

The one thing that stood out for me is that the entire film was shot "mockumentary" style. I expected it to be evident but not this much; nice touch. Romany Malco, who ultimately made this film for his late father, does a decent job at acting, writing, producing, directing and even editing this film. I thought some moments were genuinely funny and smart, while other moments featured things we've all seen in these types of comedies. Overall, it left me feeling good and not like I had wasted 90-minutes of my life. Decent laughs, nice message and good effort on Malco's part.

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Loved TJ and his whole tribe. They made me laugh, made me think and warmed my heart. The kind of movie I want to watch a bunch of times just to catch all of TJ's TRUTHS.

"Tijuana Jackson: From Prison to Promise," is one part mockumentary, one part social commentary, and completely unwatchable. From the trailer, one might gather that this is a raunchy-yet-heartfelt black comedy about an ex-con with wild dreams; what we wind up with is a crude and frankly boring feature that runs about an hour and a half too long. This might've played better as a series of YouTube shorts. Or perhaps shouldn't have been made at all.

There is a lot of talking. And I mean a lot. A lot of talking and cursing, rapping and smoking, driving and yelling, etc. And helicopters. I am not quite sure what this movie's purpose was: is this a comedy, a character study, or a serious attempt to depict life after prison? (the early prison scenes are SOMEWHAT amusing, but when Tijuana goes out into the outside world, things get gritty and depressing QUICK)

Tijuana is played by Romany Marco, who is also the director. Marco has been good before, but his performance as Tijuana is frankly appalling. Tijuana is loud, conceited, and unlikeable; at least, Marco plays him that way. His mother is decrepit and ailing. His sister is trashy and hostile. His young nephew ("Lil' Eric") is, frankly, annoying. Regina Hall, playing a humorless parole officer, is good, but gets minimal screen time (despite being featured so prominently in the trailer).

Speaking of being featured so prominently, Tijuana'a only talent- using that word so, so loosely- is rapping. I have a horrible suspicion Romany Marco is trying to promote his own rap career with this work... having seen his acting, directing, and rapping firsthand; I suggest he finds an office job.

I am shocked to learn that people- not a studio, not Romany; but actual, regular people PAYED to have this movie made, via crowdfunding. I don't know. Maybe I don't get it. But if Romany Marco has any sense of decency, he should be paying us, the viewers.

Break the law, get a second chance and then break the law some more. um nk and next. bye felicia.

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.

A small indie film that is actually laugh out loud funny and yet poignant at times too. It felt real and a fun escape at the same time. Had a great message but not preachy. Romany Malco was hilarious as TJ, a character you can't help but fall in love with and root for, as was each and everyone of the rest of the cast. The dialog is peppered with great lines and quotes many of which I assume will end up on the front of some t-shirts! In fact there were so many great lines, I will have to watch it again to catch some of the banter I missed while laughing out loud! Watch this movie and then tell all your friends - I predict this is going to be BIG!

Purpose Over Prison is a labor of love hatched in the brain of the incredibly creative soul Romany Malco. The movie is funny, and endearing. While watching the crazy antics of the potty mouth TJ in disbelief, we realize that despite his imperfections he is just like the rest of us. He desperately wants to succeed and most importantly needs the love and support of his friends and family. By the end of the movie you want to see this crazy and oddly intelligent well intentioned character succeed. The movie speaks to the human spirit while utilizing unconventional means to get there.

I love, love, love this movie! The characters were so relatable! I can't wait for the next one! Bravo!

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 really enjoyed this movie. There are many layers to it, it's more than just a comedy. I laughed throughout the movie but I also gained a new perspective about the prison system, the affects on the family and individual who's sentenced.

The script was well written, cast was on point- it held my attention throughout. I think it's a hit. I came to laugh, I left enlightened (and full of laughter).

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.

Loved this movie, funny with a message. Had to watch a couple times to catch all the one liners.

Malco is forever dropping gems! From the prison culture to the transition on the outside - this movie is hysterically funny and historically accurate.

I love this movie..... I can relate to this movie plus it's hella funny.

So Proud of this man for pushing all these years to get this done. Been following the movement for a long time and this was a brilliant and insightful masterpiece with a real thoughtful look at self improvement through motivation with life's jokes naturally sprinkled in with flavor. I remember the Twitter humble beginnings and he really committed to the character and the message. Great Job My Guy!

I really enjoyed this movie and the cast did an outstanding job.

A comedy with dramatic chops that punches above its weight the entire runtime. As cartoonish as Tijuana Jackson is, he's never without humanity thanks to Malco. Profane? Sure. But try to watch it all without thinking about how to better yourself.

It helps if you watch the YouTube clips as well (provides a better foundation for the character and his background). I really enjoyed it and plan on watching it again :-)

Romany Malco is a hidden gem. I've always been a fan, so I got this movie the second it was released. I was laughing so hard the whole time. The cast is great! It felt real to me. The struggle of a black man after being released from prison who believes in his dream and will try to make it happen by any means, even if people don't believe in him right away (or his mixtape lmao). I'm so happy that the whole film was shot in a documentary style, it made it more personable. Rent it, buy it, rate it! Romany deserves all the accolades 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Love TJ! ! Love mockcumentaries! This movie made me laugh out loud (often uncomfortably) but also really made me think. Writer/director Romany Malco spits wisdom about the prison system, self imposed limitations, personal responsibility, and ultimately finding direction in one's life through choosing to pursue purpose instead of things. So unconventional but so profoundly poignant and brilliant! This is a movie you'll wanna watch over and over again!!

Highly recommend especially if you are a Christian. Tijuana Jackson was written, directed, and crowdfunded by Romany Malco Jr. In honor of his father. Great movie, even better message, and not politically correct.