Preview: Precious (2009)

Synopsis:

In order to hopefully push her life in a new direction, an overweight, illiterate teenager, pregnant with her second child, enrolls in a special alternative school.

• Poster: B

Review:

A shattered soul through the simple act of physical violence. It's not a bad design, but the faded orange color doesn't make sense.

• Trailer: B; C+

Review:

Looking far more impressive than the cast list would otherwise indicate, the film looks to be like a biting commentary on impoverished children in bad neighborhoods who have have the need and desire to escape their awful lots. The performances don't look too bad...even Mariah Carey doesn't immediately offend the senses.

Not that the story needs more embellishment and the images present from the film in this trailer are even more interesting, but the plaintive approach of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry is entirely too much and make for a rather irritating trailer.

Oscar Prospects:

There is already talk of a Supporting Actress nomination for Mo'Nique. I don't know if that will happen for a film released so early in the year, but the brief snippets of her performance in the trailer suggest a powerful performance, which could earn her a nod. And, if Gabourey Sidibe is as good as she appears to be in the trailer, I wouldn't be shocked to see her earn a surprised Best Actress nomination.

Release Date:

• November 6, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

Propelled forward by tremendous performances, Precious is a pedestrian exploration of social themes and mental, physical and sexual abuse.

• Full Review: Precious

-Wesley Lovell (May 17, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (October 25, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (March 14, 2010) New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link