Thursday, Mar. 11, 2010

Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

"Precious" is an uncommon gem. A movie about the worst problems a person can possibly have. This is one of those, "oh, you think your life is bad?" films. To be honest, I was a little put off by reading Tyler Perry's name on the cover-box. I am usually of the opinion that a movie should stand on its own merits without a tagline like "Tyler Perry Presents" or "Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire." I found out that Perry was not involved in the making of this film and just came on later with Oprah Winfrey to help promote and distribute it because they thought it was an important movie that people needed to see. They were right. The direction of Lee Daniels is phenomenal as he accomplishes a lot with a small budget by using his surroundings and great effects. The streets of Harlem paint a harsh and gritty background for a story that needs to be told in the dark - so you can appreciate the light. If a year ago, someone told me that I would watch and love a movie starring Mo'Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and some unknown actress named, Gabourey Sidibe - I would have called them crazy. It just goes to show you that in the right director's hands, anything can happen. Who'd a thunk, Mo'Nique had it in her to give this Oscar-winning performance? A stellar film that takes a hard constitution to watch but is rewarding not for its ability to shock but for its performances and story that didn't need a billion dollars to tell. Definitely worth plunking down a few to rent.

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