Precious

by Raymond Jackson
Oh how precious everyone and everything is, all in their own unique ways! At the end of this very good movie, ”˜Precious”', exemplifies the aforementioned statement so much that one could hear a pin drop in the carpeted isles, while gasping for air and exhibiting an inability to clap. This movie is good and leaves you frozen in deep thought! The metaphor, keeping it real, can certainly be applied in this case, with bold caps even.

Stand up comedian, Monique, plays an excellent role as Ms Jones, the mother of Clareece ”˜Precious”' Jones, played by newcomer, Gabourey ”˜Gabby”' Sidibe; who is said to have auditioned in between classes, while attending college in New York. Directed by Lee Daniels, ”˜Precious”' is based on the book, ”˜Push”', written by Sapphire, and is sure to be up for many awards. I am allergic to tears, so believe me when I say, this movie will have you crying and even laughing throughout, as you are taken down the path of a junior high school mother, who enters this drama pregnant with her second child, at the age of sixteen.

Based in 1987 New York, Precious, after being told over and over again, by her mother and countless others, that she is nothing and will never be anything but a complete zero; starts to feel better about herself and her capabilities, after being forced to enroll in an alternative school and meeting teachers and students who seemed to care about her.

Mariah Carey, who plays the role of an unbelieving somewhat kooky social worker, has already been mentioned for several awards. This is the best I have seen her, minus all makeup and extra hair. She is good!

There are no murders, nothing is blown to pieces, yet the audience is left glued to their seats, with the vocal communiqué exhibited in this movie. Leaving another ole saying, “Action speaks louder than words” completely falsified in ”˜Precious”'. Yes there is plenty of action, but the Hollywood sensationalism, most of us have become accustomed to at the movies, is not there. This cast of virtually unknowns, are nothing short of superb, and Monique , in a very serious, high impact role, ices being a mother, very misinformed, by very misinformed people. The physical and mental pain associated with childhood abuse is presented in a way that most can relate to! ”˜Gabby”', in the role of Precious, shows that a seventeen year old mother of two, can break the vicious cycle of negative repetition and family curse by utilizing and trusting in the support mechanisms presented to them This is a must see, 4 star production. Precious is currently showing at The Lagoon Theater in South Minneapolis, as well as other locations near you.

Related Images: