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| Movie Review: Precious Alternate Title: You Shouldn't Go Home Again
Story: Put your prejudices away
and run to see this powerful, emotional drama directed by Lee
Daniels, written by Geoffrey Fletcher and
based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. It is 1987, Harlem and Clareece Precious
Jones is like no one you know. She is a 16 year old obese,
illiterate girl who is pregnant with her second child after being raped
again by her father. Why would you want to see such a seemingly depressing
film? You need to see it because the script and acting are like nothing
you have seen before - and, hard to believe, it is actually somewhat
uplifting. How Precious manages to escape her abusive mother,
desperate situation and finds shreds of hope within herself is movie
magic. Director Daniels finds just the right notes in style and substance
and mixes reality with dream sequences to make this film all the more
special. I am a sucker for films about resilience, redemption
and underdogs. Combine those qualities with incredible acting, an eclectic
sound track and you have an award winner, for sure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5FYahzVU44 Acting: Unknown Gabourey Sidibe
as Precious was simply wonderful. She will most definitely be walking
the red carpet this award season. Mo’Nique as
Mary should also see that red carpet since her performance was also
amazing. Paula Patton as the lovely Ms. Rain, was terrific
as was an almost unrecognizable Maria Carey as social
worker, Ms. Weiss. Lenny Kravitz was fine in the small
role of Nurse John.
Trivia: Mo’Nique launched own line of clothing
Mo'Nique's Big Beautiful and Loving It in August 2000. It closed in
2002. Paula Patton was featured on the cover of husband
Robin Thicke's first album, "A Beautiful World". Lenny
Kravitz has a daughter, Zoë Kravitz, with Lisa Bonet.
He is the son of Roxie Roker and Sy Kravitz. He was named after his
uncle, Pfc. Leonard Kravitz, who was killed in action in Korea on 7
March 1951 while suppressing a Chinese attack and saving most of his
platoon; he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Lenny has joined the fight to get his uncle the Congressional Medal
of Honor. Supporters believe the CMH has been denied to Pfc. Kravitz
because he was Jewish.
Predilection: None
Critters: Cats and dogs (none were harmed)
Food: Lots of carbs, fried and greasy foods including
chicken, pigs feet, corn and bread. The only healthy option was fruit
eaten by a male nurse.
Sex Spectrum: Rape is not sex.
Blatant Product Placement: McDonald's was discussed.
Soundtrack: A terrific mix of tunes by Mario Grigorov.
Opening Titles: The title is scrawled on a black
background. All credits at the end.
Theater Audience: Note to self: Never ever go to
the movies on a school holiday. We went on Veterans Day and it was a
very crowded downstairs theater. Luckily we were in the secret balcony
but sadly others have discovered that area too. It was, as they say,
an interactive audience and many laughed at inappropriate times. The
film was rated R - yet there were young children, accompanied by adults
in evidence in the theater. I wanted to call the ratings police. Bad
parenting reigns.
Weather: Precious weathers the seasons.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 3. The home that Precious came from
was extremely abusive and at times, very hard to watch.
Drift Factor: We did not drift.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Big Screen or Rental: This film should be seen on
the big screen.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9 |