ANNE MARIE FOX
Mo'Nique plays Mary in the horrific yet heart-stirring "Precious" by Philly filmmaker Lee Daniels.
Our critics' selections
Precious: Based On the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire Can the story of an abused, illiterate, obese teenager impregnated by her father be uplifting and heart-stirring? Yup. Philly filmmaker Lee Daniels brings humor and pathos to a horrific tale, and gets amazing performances from Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, and the daunting newcomer Gabourey Sidibe. R
An Education Carey Mulligan shines as a suburban British teen, circa 1962, who falls for an older man (Peter Sarsgaard) in this beautifully turned coming-of-age tale, adapted from journalist Lynn Barber's memoir by writer Nick Hornby and director Lone Scherfig. Funny, sad, subtle, real. R
A Serious Man Joel and Ethan Coen's Job-like portrait of a star-crossed college professor whose life is falling apart in the mid-'60s Midwest has to be seen to be believed. And even then, you're not going to believe it. When the truth is found to be lies . . .
