Sparkle, Movie Review

"Was my life not enough of a cautionary tale for you?"

Spoken by Whitney Houston's character  

Rating: 3 Stars out of 5

I went into this film excited to see Whitney Houston's final performance in Sparkle.  She inspired me as a kid with her powerful singing.  This movie, though there were some good moments, left a bad taste in my mouth.

Whitney plays the mother of three talented, ambitious girls, though they are ambitious for different reasons.  The eldest daughter Sister, played by Carmen Ejogo, is nearing 30 and is desperate for attention and love.  The middle girl Delores, played by Tika Sumpter, has her sights set on medical school.  And the youngest daughter Sparkle, played by American Idol alumni Jordin Sparks, is an inspiring singer-songwriter, writing songs in secret, if only she can work up the courage to perform solo.  It's Sparkle's dream that brings the sisters together, when she begs her older Sister to sing one of her songs at a club, and leads their lives on a roller-coaster path.  

The movie is formulaic and full of cliches, but I expected that, and it's hard not to compare this 1976 remake to the 2006 Dream Girls film, that being based on the 1981 Supreme's inspired musical.  Comparing the two movies, Dream Girls is clearly the stronger, more polished film.  That doesn't help Sparkle "sparkle."  And it doesn't help that in Dream Girls another American Idol alumni, Jennifer Hudson, stole the show and walked away with an Oscar.  Her performance is unforgettable.

Carmen Ejogo, of all the actors, had the strongest performance in Sparkle, bringing a bigger then life presence.  I do wish to add that I've always enjoyed Jordin Sparks voice, and she played the sweet, innocent sister well.

The songs were strong as well in the fun motown style.  The songs "Hooked on Your Love," "Running," and a few other are playlist repeat worthy.  

Whitney's character and performance is a little chilling, and that's what left me feeling a little uncomfortable, because art was imitating life in a way.  There is a scene where the oldest daughter relates the story of finding her mother, Whitney, passed out in a puddle of vomit.  Throughout the movie Whitney looks tired and worn out with life, which is appropriate for her character, but as she relates to her daughters the realities and horrors of show business, it's hard not to wonder if those scenes are slightly autobiographical.  The ending may be happy, but there is that sad undertone laced through the film. 

       

MPAA rating: PG-13 for mature thematic content involving domestic abuse and drug material, and for some violence, language and smoking.