"Precious" Moments

Last Sunday I finally had the chance to see the movie Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire. People who had only seen the previews and interviews with the actors were telling me that I needed to bring tissues because they heard it was sad. I told them that I would be alright and I went off to see the movie that I had been anxious to see for quite sometime.

The best way that I can describe the movie Precious is that it is a cinematic experience. Director Lee Daniels does a phenomenal job at taking and capturing moments on screen and making them explode with emotion. Mo'Nique does an outstanding job of playing Precious Jones' mother Mary. She makes her character have so many layers of experiences, emotion, and perhaps metal illness that it is just breathtaking to experience. Watching her performances left me stunned and I have to say I see an Oscar or at the very least a Golden Globe in her future!

Gabourey Sidibe, who plays the role of Precious, received the role by walking into an open casting call. We learned when Sidibe was on Oprah that as soon as she walked out of the casting, Director Lee Daniels said "That's Precious." What a great story! I felt that Sidibe was great for this role. She brought such a realness to the part that I don't feel would have been matched by someone who had been acting for quite some time.

Now for Mariah Carey! There was such a big buzz about Mariah's role as social worker Miss Weiss. Some people could not believe that critics were gushing about how great she was. Well I am here to gush as well and to tell you that Carey did an exceptional job in her roll as Miss Weiss. She also did such a great job of keeping everything feeling real and a bit gritty. The movie itself is not glamorous at all, with the exception of some dream sequences by the main character, Precious. It seems that the entire cast was dedicated to keeping that "real" feel as none of them looked red carpet ready in the slightest. Mariah was not the only singer in this film. Rocker Lenny Kravitz was also in the film as Nurse John. I was surprised to see him because I had not heard any buzz about him being in the film, although he did a great job.

One of my favorite scenes had to have been a classroom scene where students where introducing themselves. Actress Xosha Roquemore did such a great job as classmate Joann. She was 80's "I wanna be in the music industry" glam in a nutshell. The students where asked to say a bit about themselves, including there favorite color. Joann lets out a huge, "HAAAAY! My Name is Joann and my favorite color is Florescent Beige!" I DIED laughing. Needless to say, Florescent Beige is now my favorite color as well! Thanks Xosha slash Joann!

In conclusion, if you have any doubts about seeing Precious, get you life together and go see Precious! That way when award season comes and all you hear is Precious, Precious, Precious, you will know why!

Check out the movie trailer for Precious!