Studio: Tri-Star
Cast: Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo and Whitney Houston
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 116 minutes
Set in 1960s against the backdrop of the explosion of R&B thanks in large part to Berry Gordy and Motown Records, Sparkle is an artistic homage to the original 1974 film with it's own unique voice.
Looking to become the next Berry Gordy, a young man named Stix, played by Derek Luke (Friday Night Lights) helps three talented sisters form a R&B group which he hopes to get signed to a major record label. But as fame comes their way, it becomes more of a challenge for the family to stay together. Among those standing in the way of success is the girls' mother, Emma, a jaded and bitter former singer who now wants nothing more for her than "a respectful education and a relationship with the Lord."
American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks gives a adequate performance in her film debut as Sparkle, the youngest sister of the trio and Stix best chance at realizing his dream. It doesn't hurt they share the dream and a lot of chemistry. Carmen Ejogo channels Lonette McKee (Half & Half) and gives a stellar performance as Sister, the oldest, most defiant sister and the one most desperate for fame and fortune. The sister that the mother Emma fears will most likely follow in her footsteps.
Irony permeates a supporting part that was supposedly designed to be Whitney Houston's "comeback role" but instead became her swan song, Although this was not a starring vehicle for Whitney, that fact may be testament to her skill as an actor; not upstaging newcomer Sparks while still making her presence felt through her character's personality.
Surprisingly it's Mike Epps (Next Friday) who steals the show as Satin,a paradoxically evil stand-up comedian with whom Sister falls in love. His command of the screen displays his growth as an actor since his first roles as nothing more than comedic relief or bit parts.
The fact that Epps who is a hilarious comedian in real life gave such a strong performance that was intentionally not funny but intensely dramatic should speak volumes to future casting directors who may have previously seen him as a one-note actor who would forever play sidekicks like Black Dougs and Day-Days.
More than anything, Sparkle is a soulful musical complete with feel good R&B songs from the original like the Curtis Mayfield penned "Something He Can Feel" and "Hooked on Your Love" which are beloved classics today. Other catchy original songs for the film, like the melodic "One Wing" were produced by none other that R. Kelly himself.
But it's the gospel cornerstone "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" that provides Whitney an opportunity to provide yet another (but sadly her last) powerful performance that would make her mother Cissy Houston proud.
Maybe it's that real life tragedy of that underlines the plot that also undermines it. Every time Whitney is onscreen one cannot help but feel a twinge of grief knowing she is no longer alive, ultimately because of the same showbiz demons that plagued her.
No comments:
Post a Comment