If I’m forced to join Misanthropes Anonymous because I dare to speak against a project produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, two of America’s most beloved media mavens, so be it. I must resign myself to the vast minority of those who are not raving about Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.

It’s consummately important that you pay close attention to the entire, unwieldy title, especially the word ‘novel.’ This film is based on a work of fiction, which mean there may or may not have been a real person who suffered so much, and who may or may not have triumphed against all odds over such heinous adversity. And truly, Precious’s trials are so profound it seems more than a bit manipulative. When things continue to descend from horrendous to unspeakable, you’ve been so hammered by emotion already that you’re a bit numb.

Believe it or not, it IS possible for things to go south for Claireece Precious Jones, who, from the very beginning is a morbidly obese, illiterate teen, pregnant with her second child by her father, living in abject poverty with her insanely abusive mother. It’s true that the performances are amazing, especially Mo’nique’s stunner as the worst mother who ever lived. Mariah Carey is surprising as the counselor Mrs. Weiss, and Paula Patton is radiant as an alternative school teacher. I’m not as excited as everyone else seems to be about the lead, newcomer Gaboury Sidibe. Many of her lines are read – voiceovers from her journal, and she often appears silent and expressionless, which is completely appropriate and effective, but doesn’t require great acting chops. When she does actually emote, it’s profoundly touching, but much of the credit here goes to the skilled direction of Lee Daniels.

Daniels is the true star of the film.  He’s managed to create something fresh out of material that could have descended into the exploitative and maudlin. Precious’s escapes into a fantasy world in which she’s famous, talented and desired perfectly depict how such atrocities can be endured. He finds a touch of humor where there is very little, and he wisely steers clear of graphic portrayals of abuse. He allows the camera to squeeze beauty from a stone.

Still, my friend’s comment when walking out of the screening, seemed to sum up my feelings for the film precisely. “Wow! That was intense!” she said. “But I feel like I’ve been played.”

Rated R

--Lisa Johnson Mandell