Sunday’s decision was dinner and a movie at Gallery Place in DC. The weather was autumn warm with a seductive breeze. “Americas Next Top Model” and I strolled through the runway of China Town enjoying belly laughs. Deciding on a dinner location … we purposely stumbled across our favorite spot … Vapiano. The restaurant setting was just right for the vibe … a very art deco urban like flair. As much as I love DC, I was in a New York state of mind. Surrounded by lather red coaches, water fountains, plants and trendy people … we fit right in.
Lost in conversation, Greek Salads, Green Tea and Pizza, strangers seem to be drawn to the proximity of us. We begun to explore each others minds and the book “Push” by Sapphire based on the movie “Precious”. I can not say the discussion prepared me for what I was about to see … in fact, I know it didn’t … nothing could be that bad!
Dinner and two blocks later we’re seated in a crowed theatre but fortunate enough to get two end seats. In this serious adult themed movie I was reminded of “The Color Purple” but only this time Mary (Mo’ Nique) was Mister and new comer Gabby Sidibe (Claireece “Precious” Jones) was Miss Celie. Not to mention the Shug in Miss Rain (Paula Patton) you’ll see what I mean. Miss Rain’s warm genuine emotions served as the antidote to a loveless child … “Precious”.
This movie was a family horror of obesity, illiteracy and the unimaginable taboo of incest toppled with teenage pregnancy. As my friend and I laughed at humorous moments we found ourselves gasping seconds later. Sitting there feeling embarrassed and hurt that anyone would have to endure such degradation was humiliating … or just maybe too realistic. I wondered if the fat white girl beside me could relate to pig feet boiling in a pot of FAT and as she squirmed was she remembering the unwanted sexual penetration of a grown ass man between her young thighs called father and a mother’s whose hate was love turned upside down masqueraded in mental dilapidation … was she a “Precious” too?
Feeling like I needed group therapy after the movie, instead we went for a Buppie cup of coffee at Bus Boyz and Poets. My mind disturbed and my peace interrupted. How dare I not recognize the plight of another.
Even for a well known cast including Mo’Nique in her first dramatic performance, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Sherri Shepherd, Paula Patton and new to stage and screen the talented Gabby Sidibe this was a deep, heavy and perhaps difficult script.
I strongly recommend this movie and give it a Mykel Hunter 5Star ***** review with popcorn.
***** A similar read and a sure bet for the holiday season … please pick up a copy of “Getting Unstuck” by Conscious you can also join her on facebook to find out more about the upcoming movie …
See You On The Set!
Mykel “ThyVoice”
