Sketchy Recs: What to Do This Weekend: 20-22 November 2009: See Precious

In Theaters: Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire: Yes, I know I recommended seeing it last weekend. Those who didn't should remedy the situation this weekend. The traditional Oscar season is truly upon us when difficult but wonderful films like Precious can not only crack the top ten, but land up in the top five of the box office charts. It's hard to watch, but filled with delightful moments of pure fantasy, humor, and filmed in an attentive, not exploitative way. I'm struggling with my review (this weekend, I promise) but don't find a comparison to the fantasy moments of Amelie out of question. Whenever the narrative is going to be too dark, there is a fun, bright moment of fantasy as we see what Precious dreams of. One might be brought on by a horrible act of abuse, but the fantasy actually strengthens the deeply emotional and realistic approach to the narrative, never trivializing something that could easily have been an Alger-esque tale. So what are you waiting for? Nine doesn't come out until December and I doubt this readership lined up last night for New Moon.

That's it. Have a great weekend. I might even take my own advice and see Precious again. Yes, it's that good.

And yes, I really will have the review up this weekend. Promise.