Monday, November 16, 2009

Reviews: Precious

Precious
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Monique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey
Directed by Lee Daniels
Runtime: 100 Mins

I really did not want to like this film at all. I usually don't like films like this and the cast is filled with people i usually can't stand (Monique!). Plus, this film was getting so much hype and i was afraid it was being built up way to much. That being said, I think it was a good movie. The film can be powerful, raw, brutally honest at moments. Also, the performances are fantastic, the movie doesn't get to sentimental and director Lee Daniels isn't afraid to put brutal events on screen.
However, The film never really finds it's general tone. One moment its a heavy melodrama then a neo-realistic film the next, with eruptions of comedy throughout. Lee Daniels had a lot to tell and i think he had a hard time trying to balance everything, and because of this, it didn't allow me to really be effected by the story. It reminded me of Monster's Ball, a very good film that was just emotionally exhausting.
Every performance in this movies is fantastic. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe is unbelievable and really carries this film on her shoulders. The picture belongs, however, to the (Gulp) Mo'Nique, who transforms an one-note monster mom into a complex portrait of a psychologically damaged woman. Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz also give very strong performances.
The movie filled with strong performances and brutal storytellingHowever, while it is effective, the film never settles in to make a great film.

Grade - B

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