Precious-ly Depressing

I was getting cabin fever so I decided to brave the rain and head to Sunset 5 to see Precious.  I'll be honest, if it wasn't for a potential Oscar nod, I normally wouldn't see a movie like Precious simply because I don't like paying $11.00 to sit in a dark theatre and be depressed for two hours.  On the rare occasion I do see a film that highlights the unfortunate (a severe understatement!) lives of children or young adults who are victims of sexual and/or physical abuse, neglect, or rape, I ponder why it is that some people are handed a fate that seems so hopeless, so incredibly painful.  Precious the movie is hauntingly narrated by Precious the teenager and it's through her narration that we witness her daydreams which create a more fascinating and flattering world than the one in which she lives.

Gabourey Sidibe plays Claireece "Precious" Jones, an overweight, illiterate 16 year old who lives in Harlem in the late 1980's.  Precious is pregnant with her second child by her father (her first child has Down syndrome and lives with Precious's grandmother).  Her abusive mother, Mary, flawlessly portrayed by Mo'Nique, lives off of welfare and spends her days in front of her television.  After Precious becomes pregnant for the second time, she is suspended from school.  Her junior high principal arranges to have her attend an alternative school which she hopes can help Precious change her life's direction.  Through the inspiration and encouragement from her new teacher, Precious is finally able to open up about her dysfunctional family and take charge of her own life.

Mariah Carey's role as Mrs. Weiss, Precious's social worker, is a surprising one.  Mariah effortlessly loses the diva persona (shocking!) and steps into the shoes of a character who is, well, definitely not a diva.  Mo'Nique, who recently won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Mary Jones, will certainly receive an Oscar nom, and probably the Oscar.  Her last monologue in Mrs. Weiss's office at the end of the film should secure her win.  Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe mumbles through most of the film and relies on her costars to provide the drama and to move the plot along.  Your heart goes out to her character, Precious, so it's easy to see how the viewer can get reeled into her world, however, Gabourey's acting is almost non-existent.  She shouldn't get nominated for this role, but she probably will.

Even though Precious's message is a hopeful and eye-opening one (and reminds you to count your blessings!), I have to say I'm glad movies like this don't come around very often.  If you enjoy going to the theatre for escapism (which, let's face it, why else would you go?), this is not the movie for you.  If you want to get out of the rain and you've already seen Avatar 13 times, seeing Precious won't be a total waste of time.