Precious Movie Review: Mo’Nique Shines Wickedly, but Characters Fail to Connect; Tiny Roles for Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd
For all the people believing the tremendous hype surrounding the Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry produced film Precious, you may be slightly disappointed after seeing it.
The movie based on Sapphire’s novel Push was an intriguing story that maintained the viewers’ attention; however, the characters presenting the heavy material fail to completely connect with the audience.
The main character Clareece Precious Jones played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe had a very difficult life as an illiterate, obese, HIV positive, incestuous rape surviving teenager. The way she was portrayed in the film was likable but somehow did not fully resonate with the viewers.
Hardly anyone cried for her even during situations in the movie when one would normally not be able to restrain from crying, such the scene when her mother played by Mo’Nique tried to kill her and her newborn son, or when she was knocked unconscious by boys near her home.
A lot of scenes throughout the movie seemed to invoke shock from the diverse audience rather than empathy or a feeling of connection to the characters.
One reason for the disconnect seems to be that the focus of the film was on Precious, but she did not have a lot of dialogue, and when she did speak, her speech was difficult to understand. Also, the film did not have a dramatic score. Many movie fans know it is not always the actor that evokes your happiness, sympathy or sorrow, but it is the orchestral music that sways you to feel deeper emotions when the sound is combined with the images.
Precious mainly had a music supervised soundtrack but not much of a score, so there were popular songs placed in the movie, such as a Patti LaBelle song and one from Mariah Carey’s alleged lesbian lover rapper Da Brat.
Mo’Nique was very good in the film. She was believable as an extremely evil and lazy mother who sucked New York state dry of welfare money and belittled and physically, sexually and emotionally abused her daughter Precious.
Her character was demented and blamed Precious for being incestuously raped by her partner who also happened to be Precious’s father. She was jealous of the two children Precious birthed from the father’s rapes, which happened to make Precious HIV positive.
To counter her jealousy, the mother forced Precious to overeat, discouraged her from attending school and physically beat her.
Precious dealt with her father raping her by disassociating herself from the situation and drifted into daydreams about being famous and adored. The dream sequences also occurred when her mother or other kids were abusing her.
Several of the most famous people in the film had very little screen time and because their characters were not developed much, they were not very likable.
Mariah Carey’s role in the film as a school social worker was performed well but was only about ten minutes long.
A number of people in the theater actually laughed at Mariah’s unglamorous appearance, which was a bit mean.
Lenny Kravitz played a nurse who helped Precious re-cooperate after giving birth to her second baby. His role was even smaller than Mariah’s.
The school administrative assistant played by Sherri Shepherd was a slightly bigger role than the two musicians but was small as well.
Paula Patton played the sometimes stern but caring teacher Blue Rain well.
As a side note, Patton announced her pregnancy with husband singer Robin Thicke on Wendy Williams’s show last week.
Her character was also somewhat of a social commentary because she acted as many other teachers would act and dressed femininely but happened to be in a lesbian relationship.
Precious pointed out in her mind the shock of seeing her teacher as a lesbian but decided that the derogatory things her mother said about gay people were wrong because the woman who happens to be a lesbian was much kinder to her than anyone else had ever been.
Mo’Nique was the one actor in Precious worthy of the hype and possible awards. Gabourey might be considered as well for awards but was not as good as Mo’Nique.
The verdict: 4 Stars Out of 5
Precious is good; hence the high rating. You will probably feel a little depressed afterward, but the feeling is suited to the material. It is good enough to not feel robbed by the theater but not amazingly good enough to be an Oscar awarded Picture of the Year. However, it will probably be nominated because of the Oprah and Tyler Perry factor.
Doesn’t Oprah tell everyone what we’re supposed to like?
Hear the new Michael Jackson and Lenny Kravitz song in our article HERE
Mo’Nique’s picture is from Vibe.com
Lord dope really has to pull it together. Here’s some more about her ridiculous behavior. She acts like a child, and she needs to grow up.
Mo’Nique was acting pretty mean in dat scene..but then she ran back to her and was crying and everything..man she toothfasted.
I think the criticism of your review is that you are comparing Precious to some formula that a film must have to be successful. A film does not need an “orchestrated theme” to connect with audience members, in order for it to connect with the characters. I don’t know what film you watched, but it sure wasn’t Precious. May I add that there is a catharsis! However, in this case it’s through the characters. We see (the actors) Precious (Gabey Sidibe), Mary (Monique), Social Worker (Mariah Carey), and others purify themselves of emotions through the art of acting and life experiences. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the audience doesn’t have to fully experience a catharsis. But, what the audience sees is a new soul being born and spiritual renewal and healing of the characters, especially Precious. Therefore, I think Precious, the movie, thought outside-the-box in connecting with its audience!!!
Thank You for sharing your knowledge, Really nice post
The Movie is about Life,This has happen in Families all across America and if we would open our eyes and be real for just one moment we would be honest and I will say that ,Because I read the book I think that there should have been more from the middle to the and the end should have end like the book with the stories the girls had written.But the speech was correct because she wasn’t using correct English.The movie was about Precious not the singersit wasn’t about Tyler or Oprah it was about what he does best giving you the real thing that happens and we as Black Famlies have always said what happening in this house stay in this house,but our children have always suffered this is a Girl that was determine to successed against all odd
I first heard about this movie on Oprah. I got the book Push and I read it twice. I took my unempressed, husband with me to see it, when it was released. He had no idea what this movie was about, and I knew it was something I had to see. My husband admitted he was glad he saw the film, and it wasn’t just another “Chick flick”, I was dragging him to. The characters were real and I related to Precious from the start. Monique was a force to be reckoned with. Wow! I loved it so much, I went back again, with my 23 yr. old daughter. She felt the same way as I do, I will never forget this film, it touched me to the very core of my soul.
i hate the…its realll crazy it made monique look like a really dishonerd person to me…wel my mom made chicken a a big girl gotta eat bye love precious…
Well i really diz liked the hole.i real didnt lik3 monique because it made her look like a reall dishonerd person.but precious is reall crazy in the movie but i really dis liked it they have made the movie.what was the point of making it well im going to be back my mom made chicke so im gone byee…..
I saw the movie and it was great. Very touching,I laughed, cried and nearly jumped out if my seat during the big blow up btw Precious an her Moma. A must see!
Was advised not to see it, but did. I think a terrible reality was presented in a very sensitive manner. Is there anyone who can tell me the name and singer of the closing song? Was it Patti LaBelle? What is the title of the song? Thanks for any info.
I think the movie was very well done. Kudos to all connected with the film.
Wow!!!!!!!! I saw the movie,LOVED the movie,I’m very upset NOT having it in theaters across the u.s.a.,like all the other bad,stupid movies,The whole state of Iowa still as of November 25th DO NOT have this movie, WHY?This is a movie that should be seen,not heard.
WELL I WENT TO SEE THE MOVIE THIS PAST MONDAY AND HONESTLY I CAN SAY THAT I LIKE THE FILM. I WAS ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THE WHOLE SITUATION. MARIAH AND LENNY WASNT MEANT TO HAVE BIG ROLES BECAUSE THE STORY WAS NOT BASED AROUND THEM. THEY WAS JUST USED AS SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT HELPED PRECIOUS ALONG WITH HER PROBLEMS THATS IT. WHY WOULD LENNY HAVE A BIG PART HE WAS NOTHING BUT THE NURSE WHEN SHE WAS HAVING HIS SON. AS FAR AS MARIAH GOES SHE DIDNT NEED A BIG PART EITHER SHE GOT HER TIME NEAR THE END OF THE MOVIE WHEN SHE GOT THE MOTHER TO TALK ABOUT THE ABUSE THAT WAS ALL SHE WAS NEEDED FOR. OVERALL, THOS WAS A GOOD MOVIE I WILL GO SEE IT AGAIN.
It was good not great…
Well people keep telling me I should go see this movie because my birth given name is Precious (not my life on film) and after reading all the reviews I gonna go see it.
Just got home from this movie. I think it was one of the most powerful movies ever made. The acting was amazingly good. I thought all the characters were painted beautifully — all the young ladies at the school were exquisite portraits that rang so true to life.
This movie made me cry, I’m a grown man. I thought it was amazing when Precious would daydream and her dreamself was so happy and shining-what a different life she would have had if she had been loved.
Yeah I agree with “donna” from the 17th I didn’t cry not because I didn’t connect I didn’t cry because I realized that growing up in multi-cultural and multi-income level school and area that this is what I grew up next to and ignored the characters were so well written that there wasn’t this fairytale good vs evil disney effect with sappy music playing this was real. Yes there were clearly poeple who were written to be liked and the people who were written to be not liked but you don’t sit in a hallway people-watching balling your eyes out you just stare. And being let into the intimate details of this unit of people and a clear study of how and who precious is based on her suroundings and people not from what she says (the whole point of why she didn’t have my dialogue) was genious and powerful and part of the point. Plus I did cry at some points like when Mrs Rain was trying to help her because its a movie and I knew she was going to get help, in real life not a guarantee.
I just saw this movie and I would have to say that it was one of the better movies that I had seen in a long time. It may not have been written on a true story but it is real to a lot of people (black or white). The acting was amazing and you walk out of there so touched. I would give it 4 stars. A must see.
Great Movie! EVERYONE should see it!
I read the book by Sapphire about 2 yrs ago. I am looking so forward to seeing this movie. I hope this review is incorrect because I heard great things about this movie way before Tyler Perry and Oprah got involved. Actually I think there involvement in the film takes “something” away from it. Look around, read the newspapers, watch the news and you realize things like this happen everyday in all types of households.
It’s not about being poor and black…… it’s about a sickness that is “swept under the rug” and about overcoming your circumstances no matter how bleak the situation.
I am proud that Tyler Perry & Oprah Winfrey finally did a movie of some real life issues, I disagree with all the negative comments, this happens in every home black, white, asain,etc Lets just take this message and utilize it to help someone else in this situation.
In response to Louise (post # 602) and anyone else who may have information, I would like to know more about organizations that help people like Precious. I saw the movie and was very saddened by Precious’s situation. The most shocking thing to me was how she was able to rein in all her rage. She lashed out a few times, but I don’t know if I could have been as well-composed as she was if I was in her shoes. Any info on organizations or individuals who have any success at reaching out to people like this would be of great interest to me. Thank you.
I saw the movie and thought that it was excellent. It is NOT a “black” or “poor” problem… it is just an epidemic problem in the US. I was a “precious”. It isn’t even a “girl” problem. Back to the movie, it is not for everyone. If you haven’t dealt with your own pain you will either detach and judge it or it will hit emotional buttons. All of the actors were excellent. It was raw without just a pity party. This movie gave MY life a voice. I appreciate “Precious” in real life for the courage to share her story. Sapphire for the vision to get the truth out and the director and producers who give a real look at a real problem. There may be a “Precious” sitting next to you in a pew, a bus, a train, cubicle or even in your own home. May you all who see it, see what you need. To those who are hurtful and judging… May you receive all the mercy that you offer.
Reply To Uncle Rosy:
Why can’t everyone be happy for people who write books and make movies like this. It only encourages others that may or may not been in a situation similar or exactly like this to hold on, have faith, and know that there’s hope and someone out there, who cares. Let’s not go calling names and critizing others. Grow Up!
Interesting, did you plan to continue this article?
Have a nice day
Garretot
Here’s an idea. Instead of going to see this movie and adding to the wealth of Hollywood, Please donate the money to teen organizations. There are so many good groups out there that truley help these children.
The movie will be out on the 20th at all other theaters that it wasn’t at the first time it came out
The hell with this movie based another black stereotype.This should have been a after school special or something for Lifetime,but we have black coons and black book authors hustling a dollar for this shame.Tyler Perry the head coon in charge,got alot of black people fooled with his use of Jesus and a bad script.
i was maD WEN THE MOVIE WAS NOT *N* NORFOLK SO I CAN ~C~ IT LOOK LIKE A GOOD MOVIE
I was very disappointed to learn that I could not go to a local theater and see the movie. I guess they are afraid to play more than one black movie at a time(sarcasm). The movie about Michael Jackson was playing here in Davenport, Iowa, so we didn’t get to see Precious. That is truly sad since they have several different screens in the theater here.
I THINK THE MOVIE WILL BE A HIT. I KNOW THE MOVIE OUT BUT MY CITY IS A CITY IT WILL NOT BE FEATURED AT SO I GUESS IM A HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT COME ON DVD OR BOOTLEGG LOL. I BELIEVE ALOT OF YOUNG LADIES COULD RELATE TO THIS STORY. THERES ALOT OF ABUSE GOING ON IN PPLS HOME THAT PPL ARE AFFRAID TO COME OUT AND SAY SOMETHING.SO I GIVE THIS MOVIE A 5 STAR EVEN THOUGH I HAVENT SEEN IT YET.I’M SURE I WOULD LOVE IT BACAUSE EVERYTHING TYLER PERRY TOUCH IS GOOD TO ME FROM THE PLAYS TO THE BIG SCREEN.
I dont know what movie you were watching but the entire audience jumped out of thier skin during the fight scene. I think everyone was so overwhelmed at how real the story was that you just couldnt figure out which emotion to let out first. Had it not been shot like a documentary I think mainstream movie goers would have received it better. It didn’t play like a “movie”. It was too real.
You all failed to mention that it is not only Patti that is singing there are two other women singing with her and that I Nona and Sarah
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