Set in 1980s Harlem, “Precious” is about a teenage girl who is physically, psychologically, and sexually abused by her parents. Precious (played by new kid on the Hollywood block, Gabourey Sidibe) is 16 years old, pregnant with her second child, and still in junior high school. She can barely read or write. For her entire life, her mother (played by Mo’Nique from Oxygen’s “Mo’nique’s F.A.T. Chance”) has been telling her that she’s worthless, ugly, and useless. It’s not until she’s enrolled in a school for special-needs students that she really flourishes. She becomes more confident and eventually does stand up for herself and her children against the evils in her world.

This movie had every disturbing thing you could think of – rape, abuse, cruelty to children, attempted murder, etc. – but there were some really funny and really touching moments, too. When Precious finally finds her voice and begins to write under the tutelage of her teacher Blue Rain (played by Paula Patton, wife of R&B singer Robin Thicke), the movie takes a positive turn. And we remember that one person really can make a difference in the life of another.

Now let’s talk about the gossip surrounding this film. I know everyone’s been talking about Mariah Carey’s role as the welfare social worker, and I’ll be honest. Her acting skills weren’t so terrible. Although…everyone in the theater did gasp loudly when they first saw her with drab hair, no makeup, and a little shadow of a mustache. I guess Mimi needs to be ugly to actually be a good actress. Let’s take a moment of silence for “Glitter."

“Precious” makes you really think about how evil people can be to each other. And that’s unfortunate, but it is honest. I thought the movie was OMG good. Don’t go see it because Oprah told you to. See it because it really is an amazing story full of sadness and hope that you’ll never forget.