Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
by: Paolo Sardinas

In a time where Hollywood is dishing out action blockbusters like Transformers and GI Joe you can't help but wonder whose' left to make a genuinely entertaining American movie. Well the Oscar season is upon once and it's time, once again, to dish out the best of the best to compete for our top prizes. Though the ceremonies as of late have been exceptionally dry and boring the Oscars this year will be getting an extra dose of creativity and originality. There are plenty of opportunities for this film to be nominated for some large categories and will definitely be considered for Best Picture this year. Especially now that the categories have been expanded. One of these films has been all around the country premiering everywhere and has definitely made some buzz surrounding it's concept, themes, and subject matter. Though this film is graphic it is absolutely riveting and absolutely stunning.

Lee Daniels' exceptionally well made film "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" is an absolute mesmerizing and extremely well done film. One which can truthfully be considered as one of the year's best films. Originally premiering at every film festival in town, Sundance, Chicago etc, the movie has definitely made its mark. Receiving high praise and definite award buzz this little movie is about to get some Hollywood treatment as it makes its debut in a limited release this coming weekend. Though the film can be hard to watch at times it will-along with its lead-steal your heart and make you leave the theater talking.

"Precious" is the story of an obese and illiterate teenager named Clareece "Precious" Jones (breakout star Gabourey Sidibe). She’s been raped and impregnated twice by her father and her relationship between herself and her mother is a little more than rocky. Precious gets a chance to change her life when invited to an alternative school. The first half hour of the film can be almost unbearable for some to see. But it nevertheless captures your attention and offers you something to open your eyes. Its a story written by a teacher in Harlem. One which is all to common in the Big Apple and the type which rarely gets any attention what so ever. Though the topics on incest, rape, and abuse (all concerning a child) don't exactly sound appealing to all viewers, "Precious" tells it like it is. It enjoys the fact of being different and has that same energy of uniqueness flowing out of it's main character.

By now you've probably heard of the supporting cast. Mo'Nique plays the mother from hell who almost makes you wonder whether or not she’s' got a little demonic soul in her. Her performance throughout is riveting and captivating and is a sure fire bet fort his Oscar season. Her demented mother abuses the living hell out of her daughter, even throwing one of her babies around. A definite change for the actress whose know for her raunchy and low rated comedies. Mariah Carey plays a Social worker whose one of the few who give a damn. A rare glimpse at the pop icon without make-up is almost a rarity but it’s also a joy. To me, seeing actors and actresses taking risks is what makes it all worth it in the end. Lenny Kravitz appears in here as well as John, a nurse, who adds a nice humorous flare to this very dark story. The entire supporting cast makes this film a definite watch and adds more to this story which makes it more entertaining than you would think. All these actors are definitely out of their realms but still put in 100% and makes it an absolute joy.

Gabourey Sidibe is a definite bet for the Supporting Actress category and will definitely be making her rounds on that red carpet come award night. He performance as this tormented teen makes it all the more saddening but hope comes in the form of a teacher played by Paula Patton who comes to aid of "Precious" and helps aid her through her very unfortunate life. Sidibe, a college student who got the role after entering a random audition, is a pure joy. Though most our young stars now are, well, terrible and will probably end up throwing their life's away for drugs and whatnot, Sidibe definitely proved that she has what it takes to make it some where in this buisness. One which focuses more on your looks than you're real talent. That is just a shame. Sidibe proves that you don't need money, and you don't need to "fit the look" to be good at something. Her performance is so real you almost believe its the character herself. And I have the feeling we'll be seeing more of Sidibe through the coming years.

When the story takes form you begin to see that the other ladies in Precious' class are more of a family than just fellow classmates. They make her feel like she can do anything and be anything. A feeling which is all to misplace throughout her daily at home life. Director Lee Daniels makes a truly heart-warming film which is definitely one of the year's best. The script, much like the novel, helps to-in graphic detail-create a surreal experience which isn't preachy nor is it deafeningly dumb. While most movies which feature stories like "Precious" change from something undeniably real into something which makes it seem like everything is solved in a day this film actually proves that with some self determination you can overcome anything you want. Though the films subject matter and depictions of both physical and emotional abuse may not seem appealing "Precious" is definitely Oscar bait and a movie everyone should see.

Combined with the talents of these fine actors and actresses and a script which defines a personal narrative Lee Daniels' masterpiece is an absolute joy. A harrowing story which takes you someplace you didn't even think existed and creates a surreal experience which can be disturbing but nonetheless true, real, and riveting. Move aside Oscars, here comes Precious. Grade: A

Rated R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language