Review of Sparkle (2012) by Loria B — 27 Aug 2012

Doesn't compare to the original, but this very familiar tale revolves around three sisters who end up becoming a 'sort of' Supremes, with the usual cautionary tale of the tragic lead singer (a very strong Carmen Ejogo) falling into drugs, murder and despair.

American Idol victor Jordin Sparks plays the youngest sister, who hides in the background, though she also writes all the songs. A lot of reviews I read weren't impressed with Sparks, but she has a quiet dignity, a good voice and gives an honest, if not electrifying, performance.

Tika Sumpter delivers a solid turn as the fiesty middle sister, who finds herself eventually outside of the cutthroat music world. There are the usual good men, bad men, and lots of sultry tunes. "Sparkle" is entertaining but hardly riveting.

Whitney Houston portrays the girls' strict, highly religious mother with a past. She has made up for that past, and is determined that her daughters do not follow a similar path. She is a strong Mama Lion, yet there is a vulnerability, a world-weariness that Houston conveys, adding dimension and interest to the role.

Houston sings only one song, the Gospel classic, "His Eye is on the Sparrow,' but it is to me the highlight of the film. The voice was not the same it had once been, but her passion and fervor shine through, and it's a quietly powerful moment.

I think this film's already gone from theatres, and considering its weaknesses, best to watch on TV anyway.