AVATAR…4.0****
How often do you get to see movie history being made? Not looking back after-the-fact, but as it is actually happening? No ! Not often. I remember when Star Wars first came out in 1977, and I and other people felt a similar way, that we were witnessing something never before seen before that would change movies forever. Well, James Cameron's “Avatar” with it’s long-awaited, much-touted 3D motion-capture technique is just such a giant step into the future of movie making. What we see on screen during “Avatar” has never been seen before and is nearly impossible to explain with words. The advanced motion-forward technique, the exhilarating CGI (computer generated imagery) and the enhanced depth and clarity afforded by the 3D all come together to make a stunningly awesome and truly extraordinary movie. The result is that you become so totally immersed into the film and the action you forget that you’re in a theatre….you enter a whole new, exhilarating fantasy world and you see everything as if it were real.
The story focuses on Jake Sully, a paraplegic U.S. marine, who travels trough space to the Pandora, a planet inhabited by the Na'vi, an alien race, and although they are 9 feet tall and have blue skin and large doe-like eyes, they are still very similar to humans. There he becomes involved with the Avatar project…a process by which his mind and consciousness are transferred to the clone of a Na'vi body. The military on Pandora is interested in mining a very rare and precious rock material and, as luck would have it, there are large quantities of this material in the very place where the Na'vis live. Jake, in Avatar form, goes to live with the Na'vi in order to gather info for the military. While living with them, Jake learns about their culture, their way of life and he starts to see the world trough their eyes. His guide and teacher is the Na'vi Princess, Neytiri. As you might guess, she becomes a romantic interest too. As you watch the movie, you come to care about the characters, especially the Na’vis and the way they respect nature, the animals and above all, life itself, which is a good lesson for all of us to learn and practice. I found myself becoming involved and caught up in the story and characters in a way that I have seldom experienced in many other movies.. it’s an altogether awe inspiring, thrilling, super-visual experience.
“Avatar” represents the wonderful culmination of James Cameron’s greatest moments as a director; bearing the boldness and surprise of 1984’s “Terminator”, the vision and pacing of “Aliens” and the sweeping scope and romance of “Titanic”. And by the way the very gifted James Horner is back for the music and musical score ( he did the wonderful music for “Titanic”).”
Avatar” is one of the best if not THE best film of the year. In fact, it may be one of the most exciting, visually superb films you'll ever feast your eyes. “Avatar” is a movie experience to be savored and remembered, AND you absolutely MUST see this in a theater preferably with 3D and if possible at I-Max 3D.
Clark
TRIVIA NOTES:
1) A full phonetic Na'vi language was created entirely from scratch by linguist Paul Frommer, who was hired by James Cameron to construct a language that was easily pronounceable by the actors, but lacking any resemblance or influence from any single human language. Around 500 words were created.
2) The movie is 40% live action and 60% photo-realistic CGI with a lot of motion capture technology and 3D.
3) With an estimated budget of at least $280,000,000, this is one of the most expensive movies ever made. (For instance, to get an idea of the labor intensive cost of doing the CGI (computer generated imagery), over 800 artist and technicians worked for over 6 months at a location in England solely on that phase of the movie.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
INVICTUS…2.5***
There is Hollywood’s way of making movies and then way. Actor/Director Clint Eastwood stamps each of his films with his own imprint. They are straight to the point movies that don’t waste the audience’s time on needless subplots or extraneous events.
there is the Eastwood
The film is about Nelson Mandela and the period of his life after he was released from 27 years in prison. Soon thereafter he was elected President of South Africa and he inherited a very divided racial country. The blacks didn’t trust the whites and vice versa. In order to unite the country Mandela (Morgan Freeman) came up with the idea of using sports, or, one should say, the sport of rugby which was the sport of choice in South Africa. The Springbok rugby team had for years represented South Africa…...at least the “white” South Africans who had ruled South Africa before Mandela as an Apartheid, racially divided country . The team was lead by Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) and he and his teammates were heavy underdogs to win the 1995 World Cup. Still Mandela thought they could and he enlisted the help of Piernar to inspire the team to greatness.
This is the bare bones of the plot We get glimpses along the way of the country, of Mandela, and of Pienaar and the team…but there are no “getting to know you” scenes. It is either basic to the plot or it is not shown. As long as you can appreciate Mandela’s dream of unity and how he uses the team to achieve that goal then you don’t need to know anything about the sport of rugby. Freeman and Damon are excellent but especially Freeman whose performance is nearly flawless…the role fits him like a glove …he becomes Mandela. He will be in the running for a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
My problem with the movie was that I was not inspired…I watched, I enjoyed, but I was not captivated by the story or the characters. It was almost as if I was watching a well-done documentary on the History Channel. So, to me it was not great but still quite good because it is about great people and great events.
Clark
There is Hollywood’s way of making movies and then way. Actor/Director Clint Eastwood stamps each of his films with his own imprint. They are straight to the point movies that don’t waste the audience’s time on needless subplots or extraneous events.
there is the Eastwood
The film is about Nelson Mandela and the period of his life after he was released from 27 years in prison. Soon thereafter he was elected President of South Africa and he inherited a very divided racial country. The blacks didn’t trust the whites and vice versa. In order to unite the country Mandela (Morgan Freeman) came up with the idea of using sports, or, one should say, the sport of rugby which was the sport of choice in South Africa. The Springbok rugby team had for years represented South Africa…...at least the “white” South Africans who had ruled South Africa before Mandela as an Apartheid, racially divided country . The team was lead by Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) and he and his teammates were heavy underdogs to win the 1995 World Cup. Still Mandela thought they could and he enlisted the help of Piernar to inspire the team to greatness.
This is the bare bones of the plot We get glimpses along the way of the country, of Mandela, and of Pienaar and the team…but there are no “getting to know you” scenes. It is either basic to the plot or it is not shown. As long as you can appreciate Mandela’s dream of unity and how he uses the team to achieve that goal then you don’t need to know anything about the sport of rugby. Freeman and Damon are excellent but especially Freeman whose performance is nearly flawless…the role fits him like a glove …he becomes Mandela. He will be in the running for a Best Actor Oscar nomination.
My problem with the movie was that I was not inspired…I watched, I enjoyed, but I was not captivated by the story or the characters. It was almost as if I was watching a well-done documentary on the History Channel. So, to me it was not great but still quite good because it is about great people and great events.
Clark
THE ROAD 3.5***
How to describe this stunning movie. It is as bleak and despairing as any you may ever see which was also true of the book. But, it is ,nonetheless, an inspiring, powerful love story of a father and son. The setting is sometime in the not so distant future following a global disaster of massive proportions…an apocalypse leaving only a few survivors in the world and they are in a horribly desperate place where civilization has deteriorated to the point of complete lawlessness. The "bad" guys are human only in the sense that they still look like humans but they have become mean, vicious marauders who rape and kill without hesitation..initially for the thrill of it and also to steal food, water and other materials. When the food runs out they then capture and kill with their victims becoming the food…yes, cannibalism.
"The Road" is the story of a father and son making the very perilous "road" trip from their former home to where they hope and believe there is a better safer place… somewhere in the southern part of the USA where the other "good" people are supposedly gathering to live in a restored civilization. The trip…the long “road” they follow and only on foot..is so treacherous, so full of danger and menace.. not only are they worn out and exhausted by the journey, those watching the film will be too This is a truly hard film to sit through and endure for the full 1 hr. and 53 min...but if you can endure the darkness, it has its rewards. The father-son love story is moving and powerful, the cinematography is remarkable for presenting such a realistic apocalyptic world and the acting is excellent, especially by Viggo Mortensen, as the lovingly, dedicated father… he will be nominated for an Oscar.
Surprisingly, there is very little violence, no gore, no profanity…there is suspense as you are constantly in fear for the father /son, and foremost an almost overpowering feeling of dread and despair…offset only, but not completely, by the touching, powerful love story.
Only the most sturdy or heart and disposition should attempt this movie…it is the complete..180 degree opposite of a "feel good" movie. In fact, after I saw it I had to go home and watch some several “Three Stooges" episodes on TV to restore myself. BUT, despite its drawbacks, it is an excellent artistic movie.
Clark
NOTE: I have seen “Avatar”… my review coming soon… it is absolutely stunning…a 4**** film. YOU MUST SEE IT IN 3D.
How to describe this stunning movie. It is as bleak and despairing as any you may ever see which was also true of the book. But, it is ,nonetheless, an inspiring, powerful love story of a father and son. The setting is sometime in the not so distant future following a global disaster of massive proportions…an apocalypse leaving only a few survivors in the world and they are in a horribly desperate place where civilization has deteriorated to the point of complete lawlessness. The "bad" guys are human only in the sense that they still look like humans but they have become mean, vicious marauders who rape and kill without hesitation..initially for the thrill of it and also to steal food, water and other materials. When the food runs out they then capture and kill with their victims becoming the food…yes, cannibalism.
"The Road" is the story of a father and son making the very perilous "road" trip from their former home to where they hope and believe there is a better safer place… somewhere in the southern part of the USA where the other "good" people are supposedly gathering to live in a restored civilization. The trip…the long “road” they follow and only on foot..is so treacherous, so full of danger and menace.. not only are they worn out and exhausted by the journey, those watching the film will be too This is a truly hard film to sit through and endure for the full 1 hr. and 53 min...but if you can endure the darkness, it has its rewards. The father-son love story is moving and powerful, the cinematography is remarkable for presenting such a realistic apocalyptic world and the acting is excellent, especially by Viggo Mortensen, as the lovingly, dedicated father… he will be nominated for an Oscar.
Surprisingly, there is very little violence, no gore, no profanity…there is suspense as you are constantly in fear for the father /son, and foremost an almost overpowering feeling of dread and despair…offset only, but not completely, by the touching, powerful love story.
Only the most sturdy or heart and disposition should attempt this movie…it is the complete..180 degree opposite of a "feel good" movie. In fact, after I saw it I had to go home and watch some several “Three Stooges" episodes on TV to restore myself. BUT, despite its drawbacks, it is an excellent artistic movie.
Clark
NOTE: I have seen “Avatar”… my review coming soon… it is absolutely stunning…a 4**** film. YOU MUST SEE IT IN 3D.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
2012 2.0*** (barely)
Believe it or not, “2012” cost 260 million dollars (that’s more than a ¼ of a BiIIion $$) and is 158 minutes long. At roughly 1.65 million dollars a minute, one might at least expect a thrill-a-second work of exciting entertainment. Unfortunately, the many millions spent on this overblown special effects “end of the world” movie are a colossal waste of epic proportions which the movie was meant to be..i.e,. of epic proportions. There is no plot to speak of – primarily it is about Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) learning of the impending end of the world and his trying to rescue his 2 kids and ex-wife ( Amanda Peet) from the disaster. That's about all that happens in the entire movie - for over 2.5 hours! And after you have seen Cusack and his family miraculously escape death, time and again and then time after time once more (whether by earthquake, plane crash, volcanic eruption, tsunami, etc., etc.) the whole thing becomes so wearisome and unbelievable that you almost find yourself rooting for the tsunami to end their desperation just so the movie can end and you can go home. For some, me included, watching this movie was like being hit over the head with a baseball bat multiple times until you eventually are stunned into an abject stupor.
So why are so many people flocking to see this movie…primarily for one reason, the SPECIAL EFFECTS. They are , simply put, amazing. Not credibly, mind you, but dazzling nonetheless. Unlike other disaster pictures, “2012” doesn't just involve a couple of major US locations ( Los Angeles, Yellowstone Park, Washington DC, New York City). It also involves the whole world and we get glimpses of San Paola, Brazil, London and even the Vatican being obliterated (I almost cried when they showed the Sistine Chapel in St Peters collapsing). AND, there are a whole variety of disasters. There are monstrous floods and tsunamis, 10 scale earthquakes, massive ash rain, horrific volcano eruptions... well, you get the idea. It's all very visually dynamic and the variety of it not only left me in awe, but also made me realize I was watching the ultimate disaster film. …the super “popcorn” movie of all time.
So, should you go or not. Yes and no depending upon whether you can completely disengage your brain and fully engage your other non-thinking senses..eyes and ears. Since I knew this going into this movie, I was partially able to enjoy it, especially the special effects. But only partially because my brain refused to be put on hold for 158 minutes. It re-engaged itself for the last 28 minutes and revolted against the near total illogic of the story…when I didn’t leave, there was almost a neurological meltdown. BUT despite this, “2012’ was still a fun, at times exciting, roller-coaster-ride visual experience and I don’t regret having seen it.
If you think you want to see, you MUST see it on the big theatre screen with the surround, multi sound system…you must…otherwise, don’t see it all.
Clark
Believe it or not, “2012” cost 260 million dollars (that’s more than a ¼ of a BiIIion $$) and is 158 minutes long. At roughly 1.65 million dollars a minute, one might at least expect a thrill-a-second work of exciting entertainment. Unfortunately, the many millions spent on this overblown special effects “end of the world” movie are a colossal waste of epic proportions which the movie was meant to be..i.e,. of epic proportions. There is no plot to speak of – primarily it is about Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) learning of the impending end of the world and his trying to rescue his 2 kids and ex-wife ( Amanda Peet) from the disaster. That's about all that happens in the entire movie - for over 2.5 hours! And after you have seen Cusack and his family miraculously escape death, time and again and then time after time once more (whether by earthquake, plane crash, volcanic eruption, tsunami, etc., etc.) the whole thing becomes so wearisome and unbelievable that you almost find yourself rooting for the tsunami to end their desperation just so the movie can end and you can go home. For some, me included, watching this movie was like being hit over the head with a baseball bat multiple times until you eventually are stunned into an abject stupor.
So why are so many people flocking to see this movie…primarily for one reason, the SPECIAL EFFECTS. They are , simply put, amazing. Not credibly, mind you, but dazzling nonetheless. Unlike other disaster pictures, “2012” doesn't just involve a couple of major US locations ( Los Angeles, Yellowstone Park, Washington DC, New York City). It also involves the whole world and we get glimpses of San Paola, Brazil, London and even the Vatican being obliterated (I almost cried when they showed the Sistine Chapel in St Peters collapsing). AND, there are a whole variety of disasters. There are monstrous floods and tsunamis, 10 scale earthquakes, massive ash rain, horrific volcano eruptions... well, you get the idea. It's all very visually dynamic and the variety of it not only left me in awe, but also made me realize I was watching the ultimate disaster film. …the super “popcorn” movie of all time.
So, should you go or not. Yes and no depending upon whether you can completely disengage your brain and fully engage your other non-thinking senses..eyes and ears. Since I knew this going into this movie, I was partially able to enjoy it, especially the special effects. But only partially because my brain refused to be put on hold for 158 minutes. It re-engaged itself for the last 28 minutes and revolted against the near total illogic of the story…when I didn’t leave, there was almost a neurological meltdown. BUT despite this, “2012’ was still a fun, at times exciting, roller-coaster-ride visual experience and I don’t regret having seen it.
If you think you want to see, you MUST see it on the big theatre screen with the surround, multi sound system…you must…otherwise, don’t see it all.
Clark
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
THE BLIND SIDE 3.5****
This is one of those BIG surprise movies that comes along every now and then. It is basically a medium-to-low budget, independent film where they did everything right and it has turned out to be a BIG audience favorite and a BIG money maker to boot. “The Blind Side” has literally “blind-sided” the traditional Hollywood crowd/producers by taking an “it’s been done before” sports story and successfully turning it into an endearing and inspiring movie that is good for the whole family. In fact, it should have received a PG rating rather than PG-13..there is so little that could be considered offensive , the family value of the film should have prevailed and allowed for a PG result.
The Blind Side" depicts the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family living in Memphis, TN, who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, has the opportunity to make something of himself.
Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), seems to have the life most women would envy, a wonderful supporting husband(Tim McGraw), and two great kids(Lily Collins and Jae Head). But one day while driving home, she sees, a larger than life teenager whom everybody calls Big Mike (Quinton Aaron). When she tries to talk to him, he comes across as quite shy and withdrawn. When she determines he is homeless, she decides to take him into her well-to-do home with the full support of her family. Michael is a man-boy of few words. This gentle giant brings out the best in other people, especially his new family. He is a teen without an attitude…..a rarity and , as it turns out, the same is true of the Tuohy kids, although they are more all-around-outgoing kids.
The soul of this excellent film is Sandra Bullock . She commands the screen… she is smart, sassy, and strong, Yet she endears herself to you with her touching relationship with Michael, who is authentically played by Quinton Aaron. Aaron is deceptively expressive and strong. Both are well cast and give excellent performances. Country singer, Tim McGraw (who is so believable as Bullock’s husband you may not recognize him) gives a solid performance and he holds his own next to Bullock's fast and feisty Leigh Anne. Jae Head, who plays the Tuohy's son, steals a lot of scenes with his quick wit and enthusiasm. There is also a small but good role for Kathy Bates.
“The Blind Side” will touch your soul and warm your heart…it’s a winner… a fine “feel-good” movie.
Clark
This is one of those BIG surprise movies that comes along every now and then. It is basically a medium-to-low budget, independent film where they did everything right and it has turned out to be a BIG audience favorite and a BIG money maker to boot. “The Blind Side” has literally “blind-sided” the traditional Hollywood crowd/producers by taking an “it’s been done before” sports story and successfully turning it into an endearing and inspiring movie that is good for the whole family. In fact, it should have received a PG rating rather than PG-13..there is so little that could be considered offensive , the family value of the film should have prevailed and allowed for a PG result.
The Blind Side" depicts the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family living in Memphis, TN, who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher's presence in the Touhys' lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, has the opportunity to make something of himself.
Leigh Ann Tuohy (Sandra Bullock), seems to have the life most women would envy, a wonderful supporting husband(Tim McGraw), and two great kids(Lily Collins and Jae Head). But one day while driving home, she sees, a larger than life teenager whom everybody calls Big Mike (Quinton Aaron). When she tries to talk to him, he comes across as quite shy and withdrawn. When she determines he is homeless, she decides to take him into her well-to-do home with the full support of her family. Michael is a man-boy of few words. This gentle giant brings out the best in other people, especially his new family. He is a teen without an attitude…..a rarity and , as it turns out, the same is true of the Tuohy kids, although they are more all-around-outgoing kids.
The soul of this excellent film is Sandra Bullock . She commands the screen… she is smart, sassy, and strong, Yet she endears herself to you with her touching relationship with Michael, who is authentically played by Quinton Aaron. Aaron is deceptively expressive and strong. Both are well cast and give excellent performances. Country singer, Tim McGraw (who is so believable as Bullock’s husband you may not recognize him) gives a solid performance and he holds his own next to Bullock's fast and feisty Leigh Anne. Jae Head, who plays the Tuohy's son, steals a lot of scenes with his quick wit and enthusiasm. There is also a small but good role for Kathy Bates.
“The Blind Side” will touch your soul and warm your heart…it’s a winner… a fine “feel-good” movie.
Clark
Thursday, November 26, 2009
PIRATE RADIO 3.0***(almost 3.5***)
In the summer of 1966, the British Invasion was at its peak. There were the Beatles and the Stones and a host of others. Meanwhile, Motown was also at its peak and a whole new heavy-metal sound was developing in the USA. It was a great time for rock and roll. Unfortunately, the government of the UK didn't quite see it that way, and the BBC stations could only play classical and progressive jazz most of the time.
To meet the public demand for pop music in the UK, pirate stations started broadcasting from boats in international waters just outside of British territorial waters. Thus began a battle between the R&R pirates and Her Majesty's government.. This is a movie about that struggle, focusing on one boat called Radio Rock.
The film stars some of the best comic talent in the British Isles, like Rhys Ifans and Bill Nighy. It features Philip Seymour Hoffman as the token American DJ aboard the Radio Rock ship. It even features Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson ( although you’ll have a hard time recognizing her). The sound track is a non-stop celebration of the hits of 1966 and 1967… a must soundtrack buy for R&R fans.
Although it has a few laughs, and although there is a historical backdrop, the story is not wildly funny or historically accurate. It's more of a fantasy film about rock & roll music. The period covered by story corresponds with my last 2 years in law school when I was dating the cute little blond who was to become my wife. These were some of the best years of my life and the sixties rock & roll music reminds of them and many of my old friends. So I gotta admit that I pretty much loved every minute of this movie and I'm not even going to complain that it went a little too long, because the more than 2 hours flew by for me. This is unabashedly one of the best and most joyful love poems to rock & roll since “Almost Famous”. So I'm going to stop typing with my “Lone Typing Finger”‘ and watch it again in my mind. And I'll sing along. And I’ll remember. And I might even dance…the shag, of course, and rejoice.
Okay you Baby Boomers, rise up and “doo-wop” on down to see this movie and have some fun !!!!
Clark
In the summer of 1966, the British Invasion was at its peak. There were the Beatles and the Stones and a host of others. Meanwhile, Motown was also at its peak and a whole new heavy-metal sound was developing in the USA. It was a great time for rock and roll. Unfortunately, the government of the UK didn't quite see it that way, and the BBC stations could only play classical and progressive jazz most of the time.
To meet the public demand for pop music in the UK, pirate stations started broadcasting from boats in international waters just outside of British territorial waters. Thus began a battle between the R&R pirates and Her Majesty's government.. This is a movie about that struggle, focusing on one boat called Radio Rock.
The film stars some of the best comic talent in the British Isles, like Rhys Ifans and Bill Nighy. It features Philip Seymour Hoffman as the token American DJ aboard the Radio Rock ship. It even features Kenneth Brannagh and Emma Thompson ( although you’ll have a hard time recognizing her). The sound track is a non-stop celebration of the hits of 1966 and 1967… a must soundtrack buy for R&R fans.
Although it has a few laughs, and although there is a historical backdrop, the story is not wildly funny or historically accurate. It's more of a fantasy film about rock & roll music. The period covered by story corresponds with my last 2 years in law school when I was dating the cute little blond who was to become my wife. These were some of the best years of my life and the sixties rock & roll music reminds of them and many of my old friends. So I gotta admit that I pretty much loved every minute of this movie and I'm not even going to complain that it went a little too long, because the more than 2 hours flew by for me. This is unabashedly one of the best and most joyful love poems to rock & roll since “Almost Famous”. So I'm going to stop typing with my “Lone Typing Finger”‘ and watch it again in my mind. And I'll sing along. And I’ll remember. And I might even dance…the shag, of course, and rejoice.
Okay you Baby Boomers, rise up and “doo-wop” on down to see this movie and have some fun !!!!
Clark
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
PRECIOUS 3.5***
The catch-line for this movie is :” Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious”. In a nutshell this catch-line just about sums up this compelling movie and a review could start and end with it. However, that would be too easy and some elaboration, some frosting on the cake will make it sweeter and more interesting.
The story: Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabby Sidibe) is a rather obese 16-year-old illiterate black girl who lives in Harlem with her welfare-dependent, abusive mother (Mo'Nique). She has a Downs Syndrome daughter and is pregnant with another child, both from being raped by her mother's boyfriend, who is also her father. Her mother repeatedly tells her how stupid and worthless she is while kids taunt her for her obesity. She has become hardened and heartless. But Precious is blessed with an indomitable spirit that refuses to accept the negatives that bombard her. She is sent to an alternative school staffed by a caring teacher and with classmates who, although anything but perfect, possess enough compassion to become supportive friends. How she progresses with school and life and faces other adversities is the rest of the story.
This is one of those rare films that is so well written and directed and so well cast and acted, that you find yourself compelled to see and feel what Precious sees and feels, to walk in her shoes, to experience her pain, her despair, her hopes and her dreams. It will rock you to your bones, bruise your heart and open your eyes and mind ….it’ s an emotional ride and, despite the very dark tone, an uplifting experience. The movie also effectively conveys a Harlem existence that is profane, hard-edged and brutal, but with rays of humanity and compassion that leave room for hope.
Newcomer, Gabourey Sidibe, as Precious, delivers an earth-shattering performance as the sixteen year-old obese girl who suffers from having a mother so abusive, she makes Ike Turner seem like Mr. Brady of "The Brady Bunch". Mo'Nique is flawless the dominant, insufferable mother who makes it her duty to harm, torture and abuse Precious. Mariah Carey also turns in a surprisingly honest and passive performance as Ms Weiss, the understanding Welfare officer who works with Precious.
BRAVO for a truly fine film !!!!
NOTE: The movie has a “R” rating because of the heavy profanity which, for the story, is not inappropriate but still may be offensive to some.
Clark
The catch-line for this movie is :” Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious”. In a nutshell this catch-line just about sums up this compelling movie and a review could start and end with it. However, that would be too easy and some elaboration, some frosting on the cake will make it sweeter and more interesting.
The story: Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabby Sidibe) is a rather obese 16-year-old illiterate black girl who lives in Harlem with her welfare-dependent, abusive mother (Mo'Nique). She has a Downs Syndrome daughter and is pregnant with another child, both from being raped by her mother's boyfriend, who is also her father. Her mother repeatedly tells her how stupid and worthless she is while kids taunt her for her obesity. She has become hardened and heartless. But Precious is blessed with an indomitable spirit that refuses to accept the negatives that bombard her. She is sent to an alternative school staffed by a caring teacher and with classmates who, although anything but perfect, possess enough compassion to become supportive friends. How she progresses with school and life and faces other adversities is the rest of the story.
This is one of those rare films that is so well written and directed and so well cast and acted, that you find yourself compelled to see and feel what Precious sees and feels, to walk in her shoes, to experience her pain, her despair, her hopes and her dreams. It will rock you to your bones, bruise your heart and open your eyes and mind ….it’ s an emotional ride and, despite the very dark tone, an uplifting experience. The movie also effectively conveys a Harlem existence that is profane, hard-edged and brutal, but with rays of humanity and compassion that leave room for hope.
Newcomer, Gabourey Sidibe, as Precious, delivers an earth-shattering performance as the sixteen year-old obese girl who suffers from having a mother so abusive, she makes Ike Turner seem like Mr. Brady of "The Brady Bunch". Mo'Nique is flawless the dominant, insufferable mother who makes it her duty to harm, torture and abuse Precious. Mariah Carey also turns in a surprisingly honest and passive performance as Ms Weiss, the understanding Welfare officer who works with Precious.
BRAVO for a truly fine film !!!!
NOTE: The movie has a “R” rating because of the heavy profanity which, for the story, is not inappropriate but still may be offensive to some.
Clark
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