The film also provides a platform for some amazing performances. First time actor Gabourey Sidibe delivers a heart wrenching performance as the title character, fact is, the acting is so strong throughout that it transforms your feelings about a number of key characters. Mo’Nique who plays Precious’ mother is so repugnant is the early part of the film that you absolutely hate her, but through a great script and pure acting talent, there is a scene that actually makes you feel sympathy for her and helps you to understand her atrocious behavior to her daughter.

The film is set in Harlem and its grotty surrounds provide a backdrop that never lets you forget the hardships that must be endured by the underclass in America. This oppressive environment is slightly eased when Precious is enrolled in a special needs school and starts to get the warmth and attention so important in her transformation.

On paper this film looks like very hard work but through the power of its delivery and the intensity of the acting, you get caught up in it completely and grow to care passionately about the plight on this young woman.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/IconFilmDistribution.Au

With the late attachment of Duncan Jones as director, things looked good. Jones’ previous film, Moon, showed a sure hand at the helm and spoke well of the potential for a story with depth. The open book nature of the fantasy genre also informed a world of vast possibilities. In final results, this did not quite pan out.

Self admitting to absolutely no knowledge of the video game, the movie’s lack of ability to establish a believably mythology was a real stumbling block for me. It wasn’t helped by a general vocal mannerism that made almost all of the dialogue difficult to hear and understand. In the fantasy world the film lives in, the necessary CGI was also quite disappointing.

Seeing the film on an opening night time slot was a definite plus as the audience (seemingly made up of a large percentage of gamers) seemed to really enjoy themselves and this communal feeling was an infectious addition. Seen in isolation though Warcraft is a confusing and hard to follow mess.

Rob Hudson
www.warcraftmovie.com.au