Movie Review: 'Precious' Film More Inspiring Than Depressing

The film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" was not a film I ever planned to see. From the previews and the synopsis of the book "Push," I knew that Claireece "Precious" Jones (played by Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe) was HIV positive, molested by her father, pregnant with her father's second child, her first child had Down Syndrome, she was illiterate, overweight, didn't feel like she was pretty and lived with an abusive mother. My grandfather, who hasn't been to a movie theater in about two decades, wanted to see this film on my birthday, and I thought he was insane for even suggesting seeing something that depressing on my born day.

But finally curiosity got the better of me after it released on November 6, and I went into the theater ready to be disturbed and shocked at the things happening to Precious. And indeed I was shocked-shocked that I liked the film so much that I said aloud "That's it?" when it was over.

I was fascinated by how strong the main character was. Instead of the "Woe is me" attitude I expected her to have, no matter what happened to her the day before, she viewed the next day with a fresh start. A boy pushed her down on the ground. She got right back up. Her mother called her in to "make her feel good," she did what she had to do and kept it moving. Her father raped her right in front of her mother, she still got up ready for school the next day.

I spent 95 percent of the movie wanting to reach through the screen and throw the TV at her mother, Mary (played by comedian and talk show host Mo'Nique), which means Mo'Nique did one helluva job. I was impressed with how superb Paula Patton's (who played Ms. Rain) acting was in this film as Precious' teacher because she didn't really impress me in the film "Idlewild." Mariah Carey (who played Mrs. Weiss) also did a great job with her role as a social worker.

I didn't realize that Nurse John was rock star Lenny Kravitz until I left the theater, but I certainly enjoyed his role and his interaction with Precious. I'm going to check out the book "Push" to find out whatever happened to Nurse John. Every single cast member pulled their weight in this film, and I left impressed.

The only weakness I found in the film was a scene with an order of chicken in which Precious left a journal that magically re-appeared. I was waiting for a scene to explain how she got it back, but no such luck.

Yes, the story was depressing and I felt bad for Precious, but the way the film ended made me respect Claireece Jones' strength.

I remembered my grandfather's suggestion while watching this film when Mary said, "Scorpios can be tricky. I'm not saying that they lie, but you just got to watch them." Indeed you do. If I'd have seen the film on my November birthday (like Precious who also had a November birthday) and like my grandfather suggested, I'd have had an even better day, but today will do too.

"Precious" is an easy five out of five star film.