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Sparkle

Play trailer Poster for Sparkle PG-13 2012 1h 56m Drama Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
57% Tomatometer 93 Reviews 45% 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

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 09/08/2017
A-
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. Go to Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard 10/05/2012
2/5
No one could make a case for this being other than fairly ordinary, but it is at least enjoyable. Go to Full Review James White Empire Magazine 10/01/2012
3/5
Some sparkle and plenty of motion. Go to Full Review Starrene Rhett Rocque Jet Magazine 01/16/2024
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. Go to Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com 09/24/2020
1.5/4.0
A film that should inspire instead collapses. Go to Full Review Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News 04/11/2019
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Charles P 12/26/2024 Jardin Sparks is AMAZING! This movie is underrated See more 10/31/2019 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". See more 08/01/2019 Wonderful movie Great movie See more 03/23/2014 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) See more 01/25/2013 Okay movie. Nothing to write home about, except that Stockard Channing does a surprisingly decent British accent. See more 08/15/2012 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. See more Read all reviews
Sparkle

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Cast & Crew

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Salim Akil

Director

Jordin Sparks

Sparkle

Whitney Houston

Emma

Derek Luke

Stix

Mike Epps

Satin

Carmen Ejogo

Sister

Movie Clips

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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 - 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 - Jump Sparkle: Official Clip - Jump 2:04 Sparkle: Official Clip - Killed With a Fire Poker Sparkle: Official Clip - Killed With a Fire Poker 2:53 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 - 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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Sparkle

Sparkle (2012) View more photos

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
Mara Brock Akil, Debra Martin Chase, T. D. Jakes, Curtis Wallace
Screenwriter
Joel Schumacher, Howard Rosenman
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
T.D. Jakes Ministries, Akil Productions, Debra Martin Chase
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 56m
Sound Mix
Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital
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