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Sparkle

Play trailer Poster for Sparkle PG-13 Released Aug 17, 2012 1h 52m Drama Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
57% Tomatometer 93 Reviews 44% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
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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Sparkle

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (53) audience reviews
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 Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

Sparkle

Sparkle: Official Clip - Whitney Houston's His Eye Is on the Sparrow Sparkle: Official Clip - Whitney Houston's His Eye Is on the Sparrow 2:29 Sparkle: Official Clip - Hooked on Your Love Sparkle: Official Clip - Hooked on Your Love 2:30 Sparkle: Official Clip - Look Into Your Heart Sparkle: Official Clip - Look Into Your Heart 2:28 Sparkle: Official Clip - Yes I Do Sparkle: Official Clip - Yes I Do 2:22 Sparkle: Official Clip - Jump Sparkle: Official Clip - Jump 2:04 Sparkle: Official Clip - Something He Can Feel Sparkle: Official Clip - Something He Can Feel 1:54 Sparkle: Official Clip - One Wing Sparkle: Official Clip - One Wing 2:29 Sparkle: Official Clip - What Can I Do With This Feeling? Sparkle: Official Clip - What Can I Do With This Feeling? 2:22 Sparkle: Official Clip - Killed With a Fire Poker Sparkle: Official Clip - Killed With a Fire Poker 2:53 Sparkle: Official Clip - It's Not Love, It's Business Sparkle: Official Clip - It's Not Love, It's Business 3:00 View more videos
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Movie Info

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
Producer
Debra Martin Chase, T. D. Jakes, Curtis Wallace, Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil
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
Runtime
1h 52m
Sound Mix
Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital
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