A must-see, between Whitney’s sentimental Swan Song and Carmen’s coming out party. Written and directed by the husband-wife team of Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil, respectively, Sparkle is very loosely based on the 1976 musical of the same name, with the point of departure, the timeline, plot developments, and the score being tweaked for the overhaul, and all for the better. The (thankfully brief) inclusion of country star Tim McGraw is a slight nod to both general rock machismo that spans metal to country and the band’s occasional flirt with country (their deity-like former producer, Mutt Lange, crafted wife Shania Twain’s huge hit records of the 90s) last hinted on Love and Affection, the quaint closer to Hysteria. Jordin Sparks certainly holds her own when called upon to sing, but she comes across in this big screen debut as not quite ready to handle a title role, at least acting-wise. The film features standout performances by Whitney and Carmen Ejogo, with Derek Luke and Mike Epps appearing at their best as well. Several of the late pop diva’s lines in the movie induce goose bumps, such as when she matter of factly asks, “Was my life not enough of a cautionary tale for you?” So unfolds Sparkle, a modern morality play with a sobering message made all the more telling by serving as Whitney Houston’s cinematic farewell. Meanwhile, Sparkle starts dating Stix (Derek Luke) who encourages the talented sisters to form a trio and take a shot at superstardom. Given Sister’s materialistic nature, it’s easy to guess that that she would opt to entertain the overtures of the latter, a misogynist with a dark side yet to reveal itself. She’s only been back in town for two months, but already has a couple of suitors competing for her hand, Levi (Omari Hardwick), a penniless, perfect gentleman, and Satin (Mike Epps), a flashy, silky smooth operator. But seductive Sister ( Carmen Ejogo) is just the opposite, being a confident extrovert who craves the limelight and the attention of men.Ĭonsequently, it’s no surprise that Sister might rebel and run away from home, rather than abide by her mother’s restrictive house rules. Self-effacing Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is a gifted composer who’s too shy to perform any of her heartfelt ballads in public. However, each girl also has her own distinctive personality yearning to express itself.īrainy Dolores (Tika Sumpter) has her mind set on attending Meharry School of Medicine. That’s why the overprotective single-mom feels fortunate to be able to raise them in a middle-class suburb of Detroit where she keeps them on the straight and narrow path via a steady diet of Christianity and high expectations.Īll three siblings have inherited the ability to sing from their mother, a blessing they put to good use for the Lord in the church choir every Sunday. Read the book Sparkle Based Upon the Screenplay by Denene Millner Excellent (★★★★)Įmma Anderson (Whitney Houston) didn’t want her daughters to follow in her footsteps by having babies as teenagers while squandering their future in the futile pursuit of celebrity and bad boys who wouldn’t treat them like ladies. In Theaters: Wide Rated PG-13 for violence, profanity, drug use, smoking, mature themes and domestic abuse. Sparkle features songs from the original film written by soul musician Curtis Mayfield as well as new compositions by R&B artist R. The gold-certified soundtrack featured Aretha Franklin in place of the film’s actresses and produced her #1 R&B hit "Something He Can Feel".Singing Siblings Seek Fame in Remake of Musical Morality Play Sparkle Also starring Mike Epps, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green, it's directed by Sam O’Steen (The Graduate, High Risk, Kids Don’t Tell), the original Sparkle came out in 1976 and starred Irene Cara, Lonette McKee and Philip Michael Thomas. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) tries to balance a new romance with music manager Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. Sparkle is the story of a musical prodigy who struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Kelly featuring Sparks and Houston, is the first single from the film with Whitney’s soul-stirring take on the gospel classic “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” as the soundtrack’s second single. “Celebrate,” a fun, up-tempo, feel good track produced by R. The 13-song soundtrack also includes tracks from pop superstars Jordin Sparks and Cee Lo Green including “I’m A Man,” “Hooked On Your Love,” “Look Into Your Heart” and many more. Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 film of the same name, tells the story of three sisters who become Motown stars who have to deal with the pressures of fame where Whitney plays Jordin’s mum. Whitney Houston’s last recorded songs "Celebrate” (a duet with Jordin Sparks) and “His Eye on the Sparrow”, both produced by R.Kelly feature in the movie Sparkle.
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