Review of Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (2009) by Dwilly — 13 Nov 2009

I'd like to say this film was at least well intended, but, nah, Oprah notwithstanding, it's grossly sensational and the only three good guys, in an otherwise all black cast, are either white or can pass (one of these is a ridiculous turn by Maria Carey in a ridiculous wig).

There's no plot to speak of, with plenty of pointless scenes and major events dropped from consequence once they've been used for their initial impact. Monique shows an admirable lack of vanity in playing someone so repellant, but it's not the performance of a real actress, and the lead girl, while certainly a very specific physical type, is just too deadened in her affect to center a character study.