SPARKLE

Plot:


Sparkle (Sparks) is a young talented church going songwriter as well as singer, but would rather take a backseat to her charismatic and sultry but worldly older sister named Sister (Ejogo). While on one of their sneak out the house ventures because of their over protective and GOD fearing mother Emma (Houston), they encounter a young but ambitious manager named Stix (Luke) who wants to make the  two young ladies in addition to their other sister Dolores (Sumpter) a powerhouse girls group that would rival the Supremes. Along with worrying about being caught by their mother, they also have to deal with the negative aspects that comes with being in show business like drugs, domestic abuse and failed relationships, that mainly engulfs Sister as she engages in a dangerous affair with a ruthless comedian named Satin (Epps). Eventually the sisters will realize that the price for fame does not come without the price of blood as all their lives will take drastic changes as they pursue the performance spotlight as singers.


Plot:


I have made no secret that I am a skeptic of remakes, because most remakes don't do the original classics any justice. Well this one is one of the exceptions! Where there are some major changes from the 1976 version to this one, it still works to the advantage in making this a good film. Director Salim Akil does a great job with a superb talented cast that puts in work on this film. You will be compelled with emotions as you watch Whitney Houston in her last screen performance before her unfortunate and untimely death in months to follow. Jordin Sparks delivers big in her cherry popping role as Sparkle, but I must honestly say that Mike Epps performance as the menacing Satin is worthy of an Oscar nomination. This is by far his best role yet as an actor. Filmed entirely in Detroit, some of the city's celebrities such as R&B Artist Kem and actor Sidi Henderson make cameo appearances along with the music from the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin which contributes to an awesome soundtrack. Definitely a must see and be sure to carry a napkin in case you feel the need to shed a tear or two because there are some powerfully emotional moments in this film.

Starring: Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tamika Sumpter and Omari Hardwick
Directed by: Salim Akil
Rated: PG-13

I give it 4 corn dogs and a soda on the side!

By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler

Be sure to check out my Red Carpet interview with Jordin Sparks at the the Detroit Premier below the review.