Sparkle

Name: Sparkle
Genre: Drama, Music, Musical
Released: August 17, 2012
Duration: 116 min
Rating: 54
Cast: Carmen Ejogo, Derek Luke, Jordin Sparks, Mike Epps, Whitney Houston

2012

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 28 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Ratings

See All

6.3

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6.3	Your Score
6.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Sparkle

Now Playing: Sparkle

Movie Details & Credits

TriStar Pictures | Release Date: August 17, 2012 | PG-13

Starring: Carmen Ejogo, Derek Luke, Jordin Sparks, Mike Epps, Whitney Houston

Summary: Sparkle tells the story of the title character; Sparkle, the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to becomes a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Sparkle is from an affluent Detroit area, naive to the unexpected experiences her new life will bring as she and her two sisters blossom into aSparkle tells the story of the title character; Sparkle, the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to becomes a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. Sparkle is from an affluent Detroit area, naive to the unexpected experiences her new life will bring as she and her two sisters blossom into a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. During her journey, Sparkle endures the trials and tribulations of fame but fights to rise through the ranks of the music business. "Sparkle" is set in the late 1960s when Detroit was the music mecca of America. (Tristar Pictures)… Expand

Director: Salim Akil

Genre(s): Drama, Music, Musical

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 116 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Kevin C. Johnson

Aug 17, 2012

Energetic, colorful and packed with strong performances and musical numbers good enough to get by, Sparkle beams brightly. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Aug 16, 2012

Sparks' strengths include not just a powerful voice but also a radiant niceness, and that becomes part of the story. Read full review

Todd McCarthy

Aug 16, 2012

The look, styles, dialogue and attitudes all feel more 21st century than 1968, but this new Sparkle still sparkles more brightly than its 1976 namesake, which was a sort of rough draft for Dreamgirls. Read full review

Mary Pols

Aug 16, 2012

Sparkle, while occasionally silly in a way that made a preview audience titter, is decent entertainment. Read full review

Bilge Ebiri

Aug 18, 2012

These numbers, frankly, display a professionalism and confidence that most of the rest of the movie can't match. And yes, that's the bad news. Read full review

Keith Phipps

Aug 16, 2012

The film spends so little time developing its characters, apart from all that expository dialogue, that it's like asking audiences to care for paper dolls. And Sparkle never delivers on the promise of its most famous song by giving viewers something they can feel. Read full review

Peter Travers

Aug 16, 2012

Whitney Houston deserved better than to go out onscreen with this botch job remake of a 1976 soap opera that never deserved another thought. Read full review

SEE ALL 28 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

Davon

Sep 3, 2012

Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston shine in Sparkle! This movie is a sheer joy to watch and music is completely irresistible... The movie is an inspirational classic...

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

aunjel29

Aug 21, 2012

This was a GREAT movie even better than i expected i highly recommend seeing this movie its funny its sad its so much all in one it draws and keeps the attention of the audience. SPARKLE was so nice to see im very glad i choose to see that movie i would watch it again in a heartbeat lol

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ceddieced

Aug 19, 2012

What a great movie!! I loved the story!! Always step out on faith was basically the theme and the director was really good he caught all the drama!!Whitney was great in her role..i was floored when she sung "His Eyes Is On The Sparrow" absolutely a tear jerking tour DE force!!!!!! bt MikeWhat a great movie!! I loved the story!! Always step out on faith was basically the theme and the director was really good he caught all the drama!!Whitney was great in her role..i was floored when she sung "His Eyes Is On The Sparrow" absolutely a tear jerking tour DE force!!!!!! bt Mike Epps & sister were impeccable in this film both deserve Oscar nominations… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Visionary

Sep 9, 2012

The movie was totally different from the Original, which in my opinion was not as good as the 1st film Sparkle. Carmen Ejogo would've been a great "Sista", if the writing of the script was as good as the original. Jordin Sparks was not believable as Sparkle, I felt as though I was watchingThe movie was totally different from the Original, which in my opinion was not as good as the 1st film Sparkle. Carmen Ejogo would've been a great "Sista", if the writing of the script was as good as the original. Jordin Sparks was not believable as Sparkle, I felt as though I was watching Jordin trying to act as oppose to believing she was Sparkle. I really wish that the creators would've did better justice to the remake of this film. It is a classic and one of my favorites. I wasn't moved by the remake as I was with the original version. The costumes during there performances, was off. Whitney Houston's portrayal as the mother was totally different from the mother's character in the original. These were two totally different movies. I actually went to youtube and watched the original and it moved me to tears, unlike the remake. I really would like to see someone re-do this film again, and give it justice. Not a good re-make of this timeless piece. It needs to be redone, stick to the original mold and upgrade. I felt as though I was watching a Disney special, as oppose to a Raw film like the Original Sparkle.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

beingryanjude

Aug 24, 2014

Following in the footsteps of Dreamgirls, Sparkle attempts to bring emotional light to the early years of stardom (once again in the 1960s). Unfortunately, beyond a strong performance from Carmen Ejogo and the occasional noteworthy number, Whitney Houston and the rest fall short.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JordanMarie23

Aug 18, 2012

I'm gonna be honest, I did not love this movie. The camera angles were all off and the acting was at best mediocore. Jordin Sparks really should stick with singing. Not to mention the awkward makeout scenes, which make everyone uncomfortable. The real star of this fim is the actress whoI'm gonna be honest, I did not love this movie. The camera angles were all off and the acting was at best mediocore. Jordin Sparks really should stick with singing. Not to mention the awkward makeout scenes, which make everyone uncomfortable. The real star of this fim is the actress who played Sister. She makes this fim a little more tolerable.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

liamconnor

Aug 23, 2012

It is a sad attempt at something that could have been so much. The original film was a darker, deeper story, this seems like a Disney made version that lacks so much to the story. Jordin Sparks is not meant to act, a good singer she is, her acting ability is not up to par with what it shouldIt is a sad attempt at something that could have been so much. The original film was a darker, deeper story, this seems like a Disney made version that lacks so much to the story. Jordin Sparks is not meant to act, a good singer she is, her acting ability is not up to par with what it should have been. Too bad as well, I was looking forward to something great.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

SEE ALL 9 REVIEWS