I'd been patiently waiting to see "Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire". Finally, it arrived in my two horse town. I was so excited by all of the rave reviews that as I rode to the theatre I literally had to settle myself down so I wouldn't set too high of an expectation. I hate when I get all jazzed to see something and walk out sorely disappointed. Such was not the case this time. Still, as we pulled up to the theatre I was deprogramming my mind.There was a security guard at the entrance stopping every car. The theatre was packed at three in the afternoon on a Friday. Based on the demographics of the area I live in, I was seriously doubting if the crowd was there for the movie Precious. I was certain these were folks eager to see New Moon. The female guard directed cars to the only available parking spaces in the back of the large lot. I was blown away that there was a sizable crowd standing in line and a news crew close by. I knew fans of the Twilight series were in a frenzy for the sequel, but I live in a smaller city and didn't expect such pandemonium. I was just glad we'd purchased our tickets in advance for the movie I'd been waiting for and even called the toll-free number from the web site to demand. And even though it didn't feature any vampires it did have Mary Jones and she's much more frightening because unfortunately she's real.
Some people may not like to come to a movie with me. I only go to the show when I really want to see the movie otherwise I will either fall asleep in the theatre from boredom or just wait on Netflix. And, I like to arrive at least thirty minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat half way up and in the middle of the row. What I refer to as the middle middle. Afterward, I need to discuss the film until I'm lost for words and repeating myself. So, as we sat through previews of Sherlock Holmes, the final season of Lost, and the A&E Jackson Five reality show finally Precious starts. From the opening credits, which are intentionally misspelled, until close, I was blown away. In a word, it was chilling and that's the best word I can think of to describe the movie and many of the performances. I literally felt like I was a fly on the wall of Claireece Precious Jones's life, a sixteen year old, three-hundred pound illiterate girl living in 80's Harlem pregnant with her second child and in the words of Precious, "an insect survivor" (She means incest). But don't laugh and don't judge until you've lived a day in her shoes and after viewing this movie you will feel as if you have. The scenes with Claireece and her mother Mary Jones, at times, had me clutching my chest from the sheer shock. And every single time Claireece had to step foot back inside her mother's apartment, I literally felt fear...for her...for children like her who live under a cloud of abuse. Yet, for Precious, it was her life and she found ways to mental escape and survive what many wouldn't have been able to.
Unfortunately, this story is real for far too many children. And, as I was watching Precious, I couldn't help but think of five year old Shaniya Davis whose partially clothed body was found Monday near deer carcasses underneath kudzo plants along a rural highway not far from Fayetteville, North Carolina. I've been following this case via Nancy Grace. Her mother, Antoinette Davis, is in custody charged with human trafficking and felony child abuse. Allegedly, selling her to Mario McNeal to pay for a drug debt. Shaniya was raped and murdered the same day that she was seen on hotel surveillance being carried by Mario McNeal to a hotel room. I still can't get the image of Shaniya, a little defenseless girl, in that man's arms from my mind. So, yes, sadly, there are children living the life of Precious Jones and unfortunately Shaniya Davis is one tragic example.
Was this film hard to watch? Absolutely. Did I cry? Yes, a few times. But there were also many lighthearted, humorous moments in the film that had me laughing. I can't say enough about Lee Daniel's direction. I've been a fan of Mr. Daniels since Shadowboxer. However, this film is his masterpiece. And, as a writer, I have so much respect for Sapphire who crafted such a raw and powerful piece of fiction that it feels real because as I said earlier it is. Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire invites viewers inside a world that for some may be too familiar to stand but for all will seem honest and painful and at times emotionally draining. But we're only faced with it for two hours and ten minutes and there are children who live that life every day.
Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe performed like an Oscar-winning veteran and perhaps that's because she's destined to become one. It was hard to believe this was her first acting role. Mo'nique's performance was faultless and displayed her range. Betty from Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (which was hilarious by the way) wasn't the woman sitting in that chair in her living room caring for her cats better than she did her own child. She was Mary Jones and there was no doubt about that. After watching this movie, you will understand why so many people say Mo'nique deserves an Oscar once you see this film. And she better get one. I wouldn't go so far as to say Mo'nique's performance as Mary Jones made the movie, because there are so many outstanding layers and performances in this film. The entire cast did a phenomenal job. Even those with small supporting roles. What Mo'nique did was bring Mary Jones to life and make her unforgettable. I still get chills thinking about her. And I truly believe this film is going to help a lot of people.
Precious based on the novel Push by Sapphire deserves ten stars on a scale of one to five, should not be missed, and in my mind will be hard to top.
As we walked out of the theatre I discovered what drew the camera crew and long lines outside. Turns out it had nothing to do with New Moon. John Travolta, his wife Kelly, and their daughter were all in attendance for a red carpet gala premiere of Old Dogs. Guess my town isn't so two-horse after all.
