Sparkle

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Sparkle

PG-13

2012

1h 56m

Drama

Musical

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

57%

Tomatometer

93 Reviews

46%

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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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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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 8, 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.

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Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

Oct 5, 2012

2/5

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

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James White

Empire Magazine

Oct 1, 2012

3/5

Some sparkle and plenty of motion.

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Starrene Rhett Rocque

Jet Magazine

Jan 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.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 24, 2020

1.5/4.0

A film that should inspire instead collapses.

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Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

Apr 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.

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Charles P

@RT99385148 Dec 26, 2024

Jardin Sparks is AMAZING! This movie is underrated

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Oct 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".

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Aug 1, 2019

Wonderful movie Great movie

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Mar 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)

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Jan 25, 2013

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

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Aug 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.

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Salim Akil

Director

Jordin Sparks

Sparkle

Whitney Houston

Emma

Derek Luke

Stix

Mike Epps

Satin

Carmen Ejogo

Sister

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

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Hooked on Your Love

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Look Into Your Heart

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Yes I Do

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Something He Can Feel

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Sparkle: Official Clip - One Wing

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Jump

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Sparkle: Official Clip - Killed With a Fire Poker

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

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

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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
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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