is 'precious' the feel good movie of the year?

well, this is unprecedented-- made it to the movies for the third time this semester

2nd in a couple weeks, in fact! so, yeah!! take this review as you will!!!

the film was actually a surprising joy. now, don't get me wrong-- the film is chock full of uncomfortably awkward moments of intense and often graphic abuse, and it does include some imagery that is possibly too vulgar for some. but while these facts are clearly evident, so are the joys that come through the story devices in play.

each time 'precious' endures significant pain, she copes by day-dreaming; you know-- of "fame & fortune" and the like. admittedly, this isn't exactly a novel idea and, if handled incorrectly, could turn out sappy or (even worse) corny. however, lee daniels pulls it off here. the dream sequences are well-shot, well-choreographed, and book-ended with effective transitions. in short, they are never jarring, unwarranted, or (most importantly?) hokey.

the performances range from good to great, so you're safe there. don't worry-- you won't be taken out of the film on account of any glen campbell's ('true grit', anyone?). is there anything here we haven't seen before? probably not, but at least it doesn't try to stay painfully safe ('freedom writers' anyone?). quite the opposite, actually...

there is one possibly "legitimate" complaint that i've heard floating in the wispy winds, and i would actually like to address it specifically. some might feel nothing is accomplished at the end of the film. that there is no victory to be had. hmmm... is this true? well, i don't want to give anything away so here's my attempt at a vague yet potent response through a hopefully thought-provoking question:

if you ensure the mere possibility of success for others, is your own failure truly categorized as such?

sometimes, victory isn't found in the glory of oneself but in the light of others. sometimes, you just need to break the cycle. sometimes... the flirting hint of dawn is enough.

in the end, your response to 'precious' is probably similar to your response to that age-old question: is the glass half-empty? or half-full?

ok... maybe that wasn't vague. either way, you be the judge on 'precious'.

ps. back by popular demand! ironic links!! this week's ironic link... VICTORY in DISCOVERY?!? (pretty damn funny in my opinion!)