PopEater Fans React: Is 'Precious' Overrated?

By Amber James Posted Nov 16th 2009 11:11AM

'Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire' is the movie everyone was talking about this weekend. After wowing the festival circuit earlier this year -- receiving a standing ovation at Cannes and being the first film ever to win the Audience awards at both Sundance and Toronto -- PopEater wondered if the film would live up to its Oscar buzz. We decided to asked our Facebook and Twitter fans what they really thought about the film. See what they said. >>

The film centers around Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a 16-year old African-American girl born into a life of poverty in Harlem. It follows her struggle to overcome both the emotional and physical abuse she suffers at the hands of her mother (Mo'Nique), whose daily routine consists of watching daytime TV, smoking cigarettes and ordering around her daughter. Then, Claireece becomes pregnant -- again -- by her father and is on the verge of being kicked out of school. As the story continues, it shows an honest depiction about growing and overcoming life's toughest obstacles.

The dark film had our PopEater fans talking. Twitter fan @buzzmusic said, "Precious was amazing! The writing and the acting was brillant. If Monique doesn't get some awards, I'll be shocked. Bravo for sure!"

Facebook fan Bea Panda said, "I loved it, and it's true to life," citing it would be a "strong Oscar contender in various categories... The whole theater was moved by it and some even cried. Overrated is out of the question. It's an excellent movie. Best I've seen in years."

Other fans liked the movie, but said the book was definitely better. Facebook fan Brittanie Tarumoto advised, "Watch the movie first. You will disappointed when you read then watch. It strays a little from the original storyline."

Facebook fan, Tangela Franklin said, "The story line is something we all know too well, but it did not live up to all the hype."

Critics seemed split on the drama as well. New York Press chastised Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey for their overwhelming support of the film, calling it a "con job."

"Shame on Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey for signing on as air-quote executive producers of 'Precious' ... Not since 'The Birth of a Nation' has a mainstream movie demeaned the idea of black American life as much as 'Precious.' Full of brazenly racist cliches ... it is a sociological horror show, racist hysteria masquerading as social sensitivity ... Sidibe and Mo'Nique give two-note performances: dumb and innocent, crazy and evil. Monique's do-rag doesn't convey depths within herself, nor does Mariah Carey's fright wig."

But on the other hand, renowned movie critic Roger Ebert praised the film, giving it four stars. "A great American film that somehow finds an authentic way to move from [bleak] beginnings to an inspiring ending. Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe, a young actress in her debut performance ... is heartbreaking as Precious. Three other actresses [Mo'Nique, Paula Patton and Mariah Carey] perform so powerfully in the film that academy voters will be hard-pressed to choose among them," he said.

To join the discussion, follow PopEater's trending topics on Facebook and Twitter. We'll be back again this week with another question and may even cite you in an upcoming article.

Tags: GaboureySidibe, mariah carey, MariahCarey, monique, precious

Comments

(13)

Wednesday 18 November

By brucelee

Vote down Vote up Report this

Eye am glad you guys are still together and doing well. You have a beautiful family, and the kids need you now more than ever. Keep it right. Eye love you guys.

Friday 01 October

By elena

Er...you are aware that the personal pronoun "I" is actually spelled "I"...aren't you?

Monday 16 November

By nfknskndfno

hello

By Gail E. Cooper

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I saw Precious this weekend. Considering the "taboo" subject matter, it was very well done. It's not always easy for a producer to adapt a motion picture from a novel. There are just too many constraints such as money, time and ratings. The more restrictive the rating, the smaller the pool of potential movie going customers. All of the performances were first rate. This movie was about troubled "everyday" people and those who care enough to go the "extra mile" to intercede on their behalf. The subject matter of Precious supersedes ethnicity and social status. The sexual and physical abuse of children is not limited to the poor minorities.

By user

I seen the movie ...and sad to say...it is the american way of life for so many...black or white.
We are indeed a very dissfunctional society....selfcentered to the core...and all about ME...and nothing else.

By John

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Kinda sad the fat chick won't be able to ever act in another movie because of her weight.

By patricia

She just wrapped her 2nd film.

Tuesday 17 November

By blackpearl

You're an idiot.

By d

you creep it would be because of you and your ignorant kin folk given the statement you've just made.

By www.nulifeonline.com

Meanwhile, in this country, they are actually cutting funding for agencies that help families and children...Wonder if a film like this will make anyone really care and put more money back into helping people.......

Saturday 27 February

By Steve

"The Government" doesn't help people. They steal money from the people who work and re-distribute it to the lazy dregs of society. We need to cut all the programs and let them starve.

By D

It sounds disgusting.I wouldn't go if you paid me.

Friday 20 November

By CN

The movie is powerful and emotional. It is a provocative look into "an" american journey. The acting is amazing. It is full of "shock and awe" for those of us blessed not to have lived that life. Yet, it is insprational and as caused me to pay attention and do what I can to help others in need. This is not just a movie but a reality for some people. That is just not ok.

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