14 DAY TRIAL // Following the 2001 box-office poison that was “Glitter,” the semi-autobiographical movie that had Mariah Carey as the leading star, not much has been heard of the singer’s acting endeavors. It’s not because of the lack of them that happened, but rather because critics thought they had seen all she had to show. That is, until “Push,” her latest flick, opened at the Sundance Film Festival, where it’s getting raving reviews.
From what various media outlets are saying, it seems that the “Butterfly” singer is on a path to finally leaving her mark on the film industry as well. Her performance in the gritty drama “Push” is now being hailed as the advent of a new star – Mariah herself who, as the critics say, has come to identify herself with her character to such an extent that there is a high chance the audiences won’t recognize her until they see her name in the final credits.
Variety, for one, writes in very laudatory terms of Mariah’s take on her character. “Among the many delightful surprises in the film is Mariah Carey, who is pitch-perfect as a welfare counselor and serves as this demi-tragedy’s Greek chorus. It’s possible that many viewers won’t recognize her until the final credits, but like so many things about ‘Push,’ the performance is disarming.” the publication says.
“Push” is an urban story seen through the eyes of a pregnant teen, who returns to school in the hope of turning her life around. Based on a bestselling novel by Sapphire, it marks the directorial debut of Lee Daniels, “Monster’s Ball” producer. Hopes that it would be picked up for theatrical release after this successful run at Sundance have increased considerably because of the positive reviews it has gotten.
“Push” “is like a diamond – clear, bright, but oh so hard. To simply call it harrowing or unsparing doesn’t quite cut it; ‘Push’ is also courageous and uncompromising, a shaken cocktail of debasement and elation, despair and hope. Everyone involved deserves credit for creating a movie so dangerous, problematic and ultimately elevating. Marketing will be a problem because the shorthand description is so unpalatable. But this is, for all its scorched-earth emotion, a film to be loved.” an excerpt from the Variety review says.
All in all, this is one onscreen performance from Mariah fans should be looking forward to.