Has anyone seen the movie, Precious yet?

[Idioteque...]

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.
Trailer
Rotten Tomatoes 90%

It's playing this weekend near my house and it's gotten really great reviews and the performances by the lead and especially Monique (yes the Soul Plane chick) are drawing a lot of attention. Hell it looks like Mariah Carey has acting ability. I'm very curious about it and Lenny Kravitz is in it haha. What about you guys? Seen it? Interested? Repulsed?

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

It's playing this weekend near my house and it's gotten really great reviews and the performances by the lead and especially Monique (yes the Soul Plane chick) are drawing a lot of attention. Hell it looks like Mariah Carey has acting ability. I'm very curious about it and Lenny Kravitz is in it haha. What about you guys? Seen it? Interested? Repulsed?

There's the type of person who recommends films like this because it's supposed to expose you to the miserable life some people lead, with the notion that it will spur you to action.

There's another type of person who will recommend a film like this because after watching it, they felt superior in every way to the miserable people in it, and like to spread that feeling of superiority to others.

There's another type of person who went through some similar form of hell, and wants you to see it so you'll know how bad their lives were, even it it wasn't that bad.

One type of person will not recommend this film: The kind of person who wants you to have a good time, and enjoy yourself.

Watching miserable criminal psychotics to horrible things to children is not my idea of a good time.

[masoud90]

Not yet, but I hear Mariah Carey is wonderful in it.

[OrlandoEastwood]

Eh, pass. Not interested. I saw the trailers and was like; "No." 2012 wiped the floor with this film over the weekend.

[Hi-Def Steve]

Precious should definitely not being wearing mini skirts on late night talk shows.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

There's the type of person who recommends films like this because it's supposed to expose you to the miserable life some people lead, with the notion that it will spur you to action.

There's another type of person who will recommend a film like this because after watching it, they felt superior in every way to the miserable people in it, and like to spread that feeling of superiority to others.

There's another type of person who went through some similar form of hell, and wants you to see it so you'll know how bad their lives were, even it it wasn't that bad.

One type of person will not recommend this film: The kind of person who wants you to have a good time, and enjoy yourself.

Watching miserable criminal psychotics to horrible things to children is not my idea of a good time.

You do know that there is a reason why the movie was made and the book was written? There's a message in it and it's supposed to hit you and leave you with an impact once you leave a movie. It's a piece of art meant to strike an emotion, it's not trash, there's a moral and theme to it. So you dismiss every movie that's sad but you would be rather fine watching stupid comedies. And to your comment about the whole spur to action, yes most people won't do much but if they really pay attention to a film like this, it'll make the re-evaulate some things in their life. And I doubt most of the people going to see this movie are going to have this feeling of superiority, that type of crowd doesn't see movies like this.

And by your logic, oh this movie is about psychotic people in the slum I won't bother. It's not glamourizing it and you won't see Goodfellas because it's about a gangster or Green Mile because it's about people on death row? Or maybe you're a person who's life sucks and finds escapism in movies and finds happiness in them,but I highly doubt that.

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Eh, pass. Not interested. I saw the trailers and was like; "No." 2012 wiped the floor with this film over the weekend.

I hope I misread your post but I hope you're not trying to say 2012 looks better than this.

[tigtat77]

Originally Posted by OrlandoEastwood

Eh, pass. Not interested. I saw the trailers and was like; "No." 2012 wiped the floor with this film over the weekend.

Precious is still playing in select markets only on a few hundred screens, VS the 3000+ for 2012 so of course 2012 kicked a**. BUT the per theatre ratio income was much higher for Precious than for 2012. Precious is turning more of a profit than 2012.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by tigtat77

Precious is still playing in select markets only on a few hundred screens, VS the 3000+ for 2012 so of course 2012 kicked a**. BUT the per theatre ratio income was much higher for Precious than for 2012. Precious is turning more of a profit than 2012.

Is it really? That's shocking, actually maybe not since Oprah has been advertising this movie a lot as well as Tyler Perry, though I don't even know if he has a fanbase or not. Then you do have the involvement of Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz so I guess it's not that big of a surprise.

[tigtat77]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

Is it really? That's shocking, actually maybe not since Oprah has been advertising this movie a lot as well as Tyler Perry, though I don't even know if he has a fanbase or not. Then you do have the involvement of Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz so I guess it's not that big of a surprise.

I'm really looking foward to seeing it. It is getting alot of pre-Oscar buzz.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by tigtat77

I'm really looking foward to seeing it. It is getting alot of pre-Oscar buzz.

I have a feeling Monique already has the award in her grasp just from that trailer. I don't believe there have been that many strong female performances, maybe for lead you have Hilary Swank as Amelia but that's about it. I think the main girl in this has a big chance too.

[masoud90]

This movie is definitely gonna be big in the Oscar noms...I think either Monique or Mariah Carey will get a supporting actress nom and possibly a best picture nom as well.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by masoud90

This movie is definitely gonna be big in the Oscar noms...I think either Monique or Mariah Carey will get a supporting actress nom and possibly a best picture nom as well.

I think you are both right and wrong. Monique will certainly get an Oscar nom based on the buzz, as will Gabby Sidibe. However, Mariah Carey certainly will not, based on what I have read. Not that she is bad, but because the other two are the ones that carry the film. I also expect it to be nominated for best adapated screenplay and best film. Why best film? Because there is a ridiculous 10 nominations and it has been a weak year for quality films. Also, this is a typical Academy film--a movie with issues that have spurred conversation.

That being said, I have absolutely ZERO desire to see this film and will not even netflix it next year.

[toef]

I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard that the Monique buzz is undeserved, and it's more for her playing such a deplorable role, rather than a great acting performance. Or something like that.

I'll certainly watch it at some point, but I think it's the kind of movie that you'll be ok seeing only once, and then never again.

[lobo81865]

I have no desire to see it, but I'm sure some will.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I think you are both right and wrong. Monique will certainly get an Oscar nom based on the buzz, as will Gabby Sidibe. However, Mariah Carey certainly will not, based on what I have read. Not that she is bad, but because the other two are the ones that carry the film. I also expect it to be nominated for best adapated screenplay and best film. Why best film? Because there is a ridiculous 10 nominations and it has been a weak year for quality films. Also, this is a typical Academy film--a movie with issues that have spurred conversation.

That being said, I have absolutely ZERO desire to see this film and will not even netflix it next year.

My favorite user is not interested in the movie but I'd argue it's not intended to be an Academy type of film, I think the intent came in once Oprah & Tyler Perry got involved. In addition to the material, from those 2 minutes it seems like the film will have a cool visual style, like for one example that shot of the TV coming down was really cool from a film-making perspective. I won't be able to fully judge the movie until I see it and I hope it's a great film.

[Gremal]

With Oprah behind it, I think it could get an Oscar.

My gf just saw it and liked it as an emotional roller coaster film with a message kind of movie. Too chick flick for me, but I'm sure it's good.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by Gremal

With Oprah behind it, I think it could get an Oscar.

My gf just saw it and liked it as an emotional roller coaster film with a message kind of movie. Too chick flick for me, but I'm sure it's good.

Hey at least she didn't see Twilight. It could get an Oscar and I think Oprah has been on the search for one for a while, especially with the campaign to get Great Debators an oscar nomination. I don't think Inglorious Basterds or Moon have a chance of getting the win, 500 Days of Summer has a longshot of being nominated and Up has a farshot of winning as well. The only other film that I've heard about getting super oscar Buzz for best picture would be Up in the Air.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

My favorite user is not interested in the movie but I'd argue it's not intended to be an Academy type of film, I think the intent came in once Oprah & Tyler Perry got involved. In addition to the material, from those 2 minutes it seems like the film will have a cool visual style, like for one example that shot of the TV coming down was really cool from a film-making perspective. I won't be able to fully judge the movie until I see it and I hope it's a great film.

First, one of the above posters I think made a good point about Mo'nique in that the acclaim probably stems in large part due to the deplorable nature of her character and not her acting talent. This may be completely unfair, which is why I am not making any conclusions. However, if you read the reviews, including Ebert, he mentions how her character is one of the most deplorable villains on screen in recent memory. This does not guarantee a win though, so I think those who are saying she is a shoe in are speaking too soon. Remember that Ralph Fiennes did not win an Oscar for his portrayal of one of the most deplorable screen villains in recent memory, in Schindler's List. However, I think Mo'nique will undoubtedly benefit from a weak year, as will many other actors, actressess, and films.

I am not interested in seeing the film predominately because its attention and critical acclaim seems to be (key word is "seems"--I cannot make a definite statement here without haven seen it) in large part due to the media mogul Oprah and Tyler Perry. Oprah is undoubtedly one of the top three most important and influential media members in the US and Tyler Perry has major influence as well.

I have a bit of a problem with the fact that the film is gaining so much attention because it involves an obese African-American girl from the city who undergoes extreme mental, physical and emotional abuse. What I mean by this statement is that the promotion and acclaim of the film has centered mainly on the unusual conglomeration of the aforementioned characteristics, which have not truly been seen on screen before. The film is being promoted as an integral film for those of the African-American race and for those who are not African-American, to gain an understanding of the extreme difficulties that some people unfortunately have to undergo.

This bothers me. I don't see why race should matter here at all. I think the film should be promoted for what it is--an uncommon and poignant exploration of the pain and suffering of an uncharacteristic protagonist, and her ability to overcome these troubles. It annoys me when films come out and are promoted based on race instead of the merits of the film. There have been many examples of that.

So, it seems as though my reasons for not wanting to see it stem mainly from the promotion of the film, it is also in large part due to my disinterest with the subject matter and story. It just does not appeal to me. That being said, I prob will give in and see it at some point next year, simply so that I can discuss film on this site with the requisite credibility.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Idioteque...

Hey at least she didn't see Twilight. It could get an Oscar and I think Oprah has been on the search for one for a while, especially with the campaign to get Great Debators an oscar nomination. I don't think Inglorious Basterds or Moon have a chance of getting the win, 500 Days of Summer has a longshot of being nominated and Up has a farshot of winning as well. The only other film that I've heard about getting super oscar Buzz for best picture would be Up in the Air.

Inglourious and Moon will not be nominated. 500 Days of Summer prob will not either, despite the fact that everyone I know who saw it loved it. Films that will undoubtedly be nominated are Invictus, Brothers, The Hurt Locker, Up, and Lovely Bones (yes, despite the fantasy elements). The Road has a good chance based on subject matter, despite reviews that are not overwhelmingly positive.

Great Debators was a very good film and an interesting story. Certainly not best picture quality though. I also did not like how that was being promoted, although since it is a true story, it is a monumental achievement in the academic realm for African-Americans.

[Idioteque...]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

First, one of the above posters I think made a good point about Mo'nique in that the acclaim probably stems in large part due to the deplorable nature of her character and not her acting talent. This may be completely unfair, which is why I am not making any conclusions. However, if you read the reviews, including Ebert, he mentions how her character is one of the most deplorable villains on screen in recent memory. This does not guarantee a win though, so I think those who are saying she is a shoe in are speaking too soon. Remember that Ralph Fiennes did not win an Oscar for his portrayal of one of the most deplorable screen villains in recent memory, in Schindler's List. However, I think Mo'nique will undoubtedly benefit from a weak year, as will many other actors, actressess, and films.

Deplorable yes but it does take acting chops to even pull those type of roles off but it's been a weak year and that's why she's really the top contender. Maybe one of the girls from Nine will nab the win.

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Inglourious and Moon will not be nominated. 500 Days of Summer prob will not either, despite the fact that everyone I know who saw it loved it. Films that will undoubtedly be nominated are Invictus, Brothers, The Hurt Locker, Up, and Lovely Bones (yes, despite the fantasy elements). The Road has a good chance based on subject matter, despite reviews that are not overwhelmingly positive.

Great Debators was a very good film and an interesting story. Certainly not best picture quality though. I also did not like how that was being promoted, although since it is a true story, it is a monumental achievement in the academic realm for African-Americans.

Well seeing how we have 10 nominations this year it's possible. Brothers actually looks pretty awful, okay not awful but it doesn't look that well. I feel Messengers is the superior movie in that type of genre and that might get nominated. Invictus no doubt about it, Hurt Locker, honestly I was not impressed with it, it was decent and I don't see it getting a nomination. Lovely Bones was a given, regardless of fantasy or not. Academy loves Peter Jackson.

Great Debators was a good flick, but like you said about promotion wise, that's what ruined the flick for me. I didn't hear much about Precious so I can't comment much about how it's been promoted and I will try to ignore that publicity because I want to enter this flick with an open mind.