Sparkle

PG-13

Released Aug 17, 2012

1 hr. 52 min.

Drama

Musical

List

57%

95 Reviews

Tomatometer

44%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1968, girl groups and the Motown sound are sweeping the nation. Despite their mother's (Whitney Houston) misgivings, talented sisters Delores (Tika Sumpter), Sister (Carmen Ejogo) and Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) are taking Detroit by storm, and their dreams are even bigger. Their ambitious manager (Derek Luke) will do whatever it takes to make the big time, even if it means exploiting the sisters -- and his love for Sparkle -- for the foundation of a new musical empire.

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Critics Consensus

While undeniably melodramatic and old-fashioned, Sparkle transcends its formulaic trappings thanks to Salim Akil's empathetic direction and strong performances from a committed cast.

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Audience Member

As soon as I saw "Sparkle" in December 2012 I immediately wanted it on Digital HD & Blu-Ray. Whitney Houston stole every scene she was in as Emma Anderson. Jordin Sparks could not have done better in her featured film debut as the titular character Sparkle. Tika Sumpter was brilliant as the no-nonsense outspoken Delores and Carmen Ejogo was smoldering as Tammy Anderson a.k.a. "Sister" who unfortunately falls in love with a charming comedian who's not so charming behind closed doors. Not to mention the setting, the costumes, and you can't forget the music made 1960s Detroit very believable. Anyone who's looking for a flamboyant flashback to when Black Entertainment was starting to rise up, I highly recommend "Sparkle".

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Wonderful movie Great movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/20

Full Review

Audience Member

Wasn't sure about this movie, I felt it took awhile to get into it. Didn't really enjoy the storyline of this film. (22.03.14)

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Okay movie. Nothing to write home about, except that Stockard Channing does a surprisingly decent British accent.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The movie was very good. Whitney Houston gave a superb spirit filled performance. Mike Epps delivered in a way we have never seen. A fan of the original movie, I wasn't sure of what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. Very interesting twists. Go see it this weekend, you won't be disappointed.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

a so so film, bob hoskins was weak but stockard channing was excellant

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

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Salim Akil

Director

Jordin Sparks

Sparkle

Whitney Houston

Emma

Derek Luke

Stix

Mike Epps

Satin

Carmen Ejogo

Sister

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Whitney Houston's His Eye Is on the Sparrow

2:29

Sparkle: Official Clip - Hooked on Your Love

2:30

Sparkle: Official Clip - Look Into Your Heart

2:28

Sparkle: Official Clip - Yes I Do

2:22

Sparkle: Official Clip - Jump

2:04

Sparkle: Official Clip - Something He Can Feel

1:54

Sparkle: Official Clip - One Wing

2:29

Sparkle: Official Clip - What Can I Do With This Feeling?

2:22

Sparkle: Official Clip - Killed With a Fire Poker

2:53

Sparkle: Official Clip - It's Not Love, It's Business

3:00

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

It proves that there are still wonderful roles for women--of any color--to make their own and of which one day can look back on and be proud.

Rated: A-

Sep 8, 2017

Full Review

Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

No one could make a case for this being other than fairly ordinary, but it is at least enjoyable.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 5, 2012

Full Review

James White

Empire Magazine

Some sparkle and plenty of motion.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 1, 2012

Full Review

Starrene Rhett Rocque

Jet Magazine

Overall, the Akils’ take on this classic film strikes a fine balance between drama and depth. Both fans of the original movie and new viewers should enjoy this solid effort.

Jan 16, 2024

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

A film that should inspire instead collapses.

Rated: 1.5/4.0

Sep 24, 2020

Full Review

Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

Sparks has a nice screen presence and I will be interested to see her in other projects, but there are long stretches where her story takes a backseat to Sister. And Sister's story just isn't that interesting.

Apr 11, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

In 1968, girl groups and the Motown sound are sweeping the nation. Despite their mother's (Whitney Houston) misgivings, talented sisters Delores (Tika Sumpter), Sister (Carmen Ejogo) and Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) are taking Detroit by storm, and their dreams are even bigger. Their ambitious manager (Derek Luke) will do whatever it takes to make the big time, even if it means exploiting the sisters -- and his love for Sparkle -- for the foundation of a new musical empire.

Director: Salim Akil
Executive Producer: Howard Rosenman, Whitney Houston, Avram "Butch" Kaplan, Gaylyn Fraiche
Screenwriter: Mara Brock Akil
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Debra Martin Chase, Akil Productions, T.D. Jakes Ministries
Rating: PG-13 (Drug Material|Domestic Abuse|Some Violence|Language|Mature Thematic Content|Smoking)
Genre: Drama, Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 17, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 4, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.4M
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital

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