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Movie: Precious

Rated: R
Starring: Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, & Mariah Carey and introducing Gabourey Sidibe

Clareece "Precious" Jones is a young, overweight, illerate teenager living in Harlem. As if life isn't hard already for a young person in Harlem, Precious has dealt with more than the average teen. Raped by her father, and carrying her second child by him, Precious struggles to live while constantly suffering physical and emotional abuse by her mother, Mary Jones (played by Mo'Nique). When Precious is sent to an alternative school, "Each One Teach One" it becomes a turning point in her life. She meets Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) her new teacher, and although she never spoke in class before, and never did any of her work, she starts to realize she is smart. Ms. Rain helps Precious learn to read and shows her that there are people who care and love her.

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This is a thought-provoking riveting film. This is more than just your typical movie about an urban teen overcoming obstacles to see that they can succeed. "Precious" tackles so many different issues like rape, abuse, incest, homosexuality and poverty, and does it well.

This is Gabourey's first film, but you wouldn't be able to tell by her acting and the raw emotion she brings to her character. There were many times in the film where I could feel myself about to break down and cry. Gabourey is so believable, and you can't do anything but cheer for her character and hope that things get better for her. There is one particular part in the film when Precious is overwhelmed by everything that she has had to endure in her life and she finally lets it all out. That was the part that brought me to tears. There is already talk about this film being Oscar-worthy, and I am jumping on that band-wagon. This movie is defintely a must-see although I have to worn those who are easily offended by expletives and violent behavior. This film is an inspirational one and makes you really think about how you treat people. It made me realize that you never know what someone is going through, and although you may think your life is bad, it could always be worse. You may enter the theatre thinking it's another predictable movie about urban life, but I can bet you'll exit thinking, "Wow! What a movie!"