Review of Sparkle (2012) by Jc E — 11 Jan 2013

Formula isn't always such a bad thing. Yeah, movies can get a little bogged down in predictability, but sometimes there's something inviting about it - rare, though it may be. This is one of those movies where predictability and formula aren't all that bad.

You've seen the story a hundred times before, so there's nothing that will upend decades' worth of movies about the rise of a star. However, what's so refreshing about this flick is the wholesomeness of the main character - played quite well by the singer-turned-actress, Jordin Sparks.

She never compromises herself, and she always stands up for her family. This film is a cautionary tale that should have been heeded by one of its stars - Whitney Houston (The Preacher's Wife), who died of an overdose shortly after filming was over.

Sad, really, but it was nice to hear her sing one last time. Look, the film doesn't re-invent the wheel, nor is it incredibly moving. It's merely a nice distraction with a very talented songstress as the lead.