'Precious' is Powered by Performances

Golem wants to see it too.

The reviews are in for Precious, the story of an abused, illiterate 350 pound girl in Harlem who's been impregnated by her father twice, and critics are calling it one of the best films of the year.

The full title of the film is Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire, and it tells the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe), an obese 16 year-old living in Harlem in 1987. Precious has a life not many Americans can fathom: she's pregnant by her dad for the second time, her mother abuses her physically and emotionally, and she's managed to make it to the ninth grade without ever learning how to read or write.

Still, despite it all, Precious manages to find hope in despair, and with the help of a few determined teachers and mentors (including one played by Mariah Carey) she may find a way to pull herself into a new life.

The film's performances, especially Sidibe's, are being hailed by critics. Roger Ebert was amazed at how she was able to "evoke feelings in ways beyond words and techniques," while Rex Reed calls Mo'Nique's performance "electrifying and positively Oscar-worthy."

So with all the great reviews, plus the fact that the film is produced by both Oprah and Tyler Perry, how could you not run out and see it?