Like a humble Cousin to Dreamgirls, Sparkle tells the Story of three Sisters who form a Group and on the verge of making it to the bigtime. Along with the Fame however come the pitfalls of the Spotlight – primarily drugs, bad choices and hubris – and the closer they get to that illusive record deal, the more they see their bond crumble. Starring former American Idol Winner Jordin Sparks in the titular role and having the distinction of showcasing Whitney Houston‘s final performance, this Remake of the 1976 Drama of the same name doesn’t deliver anything new, but as a home-viewing Experience, certainly is entertaining enough.
Directed by Salim Akil, Sparkle has moments of brilliance thanks much to the talents of the alluring chemistry between Satin (Mike Epps) and Sister (Carmen Ejogo). Epps is terrifying in his volatility, while Egojo is a real revelation, shining brightest of all with perhaps the most demanding role of all here which sees her transform from a beautiful Seductress to the extreme opposite. Also, Houston shows her true chops in a heated dinner table confrontation with her Egojo not to be forgotten, while Sparks ably carries the weight of the Film but admittedly at times gets lost in the melodrama and simply is out-shined by some of her v. talented Co-Stars. The stakes regretfully never are high enough and we never truly get behind Sparkle on her own journey to Fame like how we did with Jennifer Hudson‘s Effie White in Dreamgirls.
DVD and Blu-ray Exclusives include a Meet the Cast, Music Video for Celebrate with Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks, a Tribute to Whitney Houston and Making-of Featurette. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment releases Sparkle – now in stores.
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