Whitney Houston shines in Sparkle
60s musical remake starring Jordin Sparks no match for the original
- Alicia Gbur/© 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc.
- Delores (Tika Sumpter), Sister (Carmen Ejogo) and Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) in Sparkle
GENRE: 1960s-era musical drama
THE PITCH: In this remake of the 1976 cult film, a Detroit-based Barry Gordy wannabe known as Stix (Derek Luke) pushes bright-eyed teen singer/songwriter Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) and her two sisters — level-headed Dolores (Tika Sumpter) and troubled-yet-charismatic Sister (Carmen Ejogo) — to form a vocal group ... much to the chagrin of their overprotective/ultra-religious mother Emma (the late Whitney Houston). Once the trio earns a measure of fame, trouble rears its ugly head.
BEST LINE: “And that’s why I needed to see them in the light of day,” says record company executive Larry (Curtis Armstrong) when he finds Sparkle and Dolores trying to clean up a bruised and drugged up Sister while hiding in a broom closet.
WORST LINE: Confronted by Sister for years of alleged parental neglect, Emma speaks up to defend herself saying: “You never found me laying in a pool of my own vomit!” It was supposed to be a touching scene, but instead ... it was just gross. Who wants to think about vomit when you’re eating nachos?
CAMEO CRAZY: In the tradition of films like New Jack City, Sparkle manages to squeeze in a boatload of music-industry cameos. Keep your eyes peeled for entertainers like Goapele, Kem, Terrence J (from BET’s “106 & Park”) and Atlanta’s own Cee Lo. The film’s executive producer — spiritual luminary Bishop T.D. Jakes — even shows his face in a few scenes.
THE MANE ATTRACTION: With Sparkle being a period piece, you expect to see a few actors wearing wigs. But this film takes fake tresses to another level — showing the cast change hairstyles more than K. Michelle on “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta.” One memorable montage scene featured more than 12 total wigs. Even Cee Lo rocked a greasy, conked-out piece for his brief walk-on.