I ended up going with Afrobella and my girl Brittany. I shan’t be too bitter about the fact that they separated Afrobella from us and made her go to another theater to watch. HMPH. Nope. I shan’t make a fuss.
So on to the movie. “Precious” was AMAZING. The titans of Black media (Oprah and Tyler Perry) got together and made something very powerful happen. I walked out of the theater knowing that I had to toot this movie’s horn as a MUST SEE. I’m no Roger Ebert but here goes my review. Don’t worry. I will not be spoiling the plot by revealing any plot points that the trailer doesn’t)
“Precious” is a movie that's based on the book "Push" by Sapphire. It's about a big Black teenaged girl who lives with her verbally and physically abusive mother (played by Mo’Nique). She’s been told she would never amount to anything all her life. Most importantly, she’s been TREATED with the same creed and reminded of it often. The movie deals with Precious’ struggles, which mirror some real-life ones that are oft-ignored. After watching the movie though, I think it tells a tale of redemption, courage, strength and resilience. It shows some severely flawed humanity, but also goes on to shows the journey of a person trying to overcome it. The story of Precious isn’t the “happily ever after” but it is the “taking it day-by-day.”
The star of the movie, Gabourey ‘Gabby’ Sidibe is an unknown actress who played Precious like a veteran. She embodied the character through and through. There were times that she didn’t speak yet we were able to fill in the blank. So many props to her for this.
Mo’Nique is known as this loud, crass comedian who cackles excessively. In this film, she transformed into a terror. A human being so flawed that you wondered if she had any redeeming qualities. Mo’Nique was filmed without makeup for most of this film and it only added to her rawness. She really did become Mary. She poured her heart out on those lenses and left it in the reels. I am so impressed by her, and any talks of an “Oscar” have been earned. By BOTH women, actually.
When they were on screen together, these women made me sit on the edge of my seat. Their dynamic was so strong. In their scenes, they were so good that I felt like a fly on the wall in their real home. I felt like I was eavesdropping on them in their scenes. They were a powerful duo when onscreen together.
They were helped by a pretty good supporting cast. All the actors in this film were brought down a couple of pegs, and I loved that. I had to ask Brittany “Is that…” whenever I saw a new actor onscreen. Mariah Carey was almost unrecognizable. Maybe it was because she wasn’t in some tight spandex outfit. I’m not used to that. No but really. She was inconspicuous in a black wig, no makeup and a cheap suit. I forgot it was her, which was a positive because she played a social worker.
I also did a double take when I first saw Sherri Shepherd in some cornrows and minimal makeup. Her character provided some subtle comic relief. Lenny Kravitz played a make nurse (a murse) and distracted me for a few seconds because he is still as fine as he wants to be. He was the eye candy in the movie. LOL. Paula Patton’s character was the antithesis of Mo’Nique’s and was the little beacon of light in Precious’ life. She was great in her role.
I loved this movie for many reasons. It touched on a lot of difficult topics, including sexual and physical abuse, illiteracy, teenage pregnancy and others. The movie didn't shield us from some of the ugliness of human nature, and for this, I appreciated it. I winced, squirmed, gasped and covered my eyes at certain scenes. I even clutched my chest at one point. I was uncomfortable at several points of the movie but it was all the more real for it.
“Precious” is a movie everyone should go see. It’s one of the most impactful flicks I’ve seen lately, and left me saying “WOW.” Kudos. GO WATCH IT when it comes out!
Check out Afrobella's Review of "Precious".
