What Is The Hype Behind Precious?

There is possibly no fate worse than that of 16-year-old Claireece "Precious" Jones. She was impregnated twice by her father, and her mother abuses her.

This is a tragic story indeed, yet this same story has been played out over and over again in America's mostly Black and Latino inner cities, without much news media coverage. Bringing this story to light, which has been hidden in the closet long enough in urban America, is tantamount to numerous children, men and women across the country having "their" story told on the silver screen.

This movie may yet prove to be the therapy that some of those aforementioned may need to bring themselves to allow their hidden secret be told as well. I think it's a great movie! We need more movies like this in the urban theatre, to tell the true stories of urban life, vice the "run of the mill" shoot em up, bang bang, drug and pimp filled genres that seem to line the shelves of Blockbusters across the country.

Shine: The lead actress is newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. Like the character Precious, Sidibe was raised in Harlem. Watch her interviews.

Buzz: Comedian Mo'Nique plays Precious's mother, and her performance is generating Oscar buzz.

Big names: The movie also features a pop star and a rock star.

The book: "Push" was published in 1996. Tina Brown, editor in chief of The Daily Beast, recommended it on National Public Radio last week. It is the only novel by writer Sapphire. Was "Push" based on real life?

Controversy: Some African-Americans take issue with the story.

Support: When filmmaker Tyler Perry saw "Precious," he committed himself to promoting it, and he got Oprah to help. What is Perry's personal connection to the story?

Significance: "Precious" confronts many important issues, including incest. Mo'Nique was inspired to talk about abuse she suffered.

Early accolades: The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won big. What do critics say?

Promise: "Precious" opened a few weeks ago, but in only 18 theaters. It set a new box office record for a limited-release movie.