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Sparkle
2012
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50 %
56 %
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$ 0 Million
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Sparkle
Positive Reviews
32
Negative reviews
11
Average Rating
3.0
/5
original
predictable
interesting
intoxicating
All
Positive
Negative
2.5
But the stuff that takes place between music numbers in that lovingly realized recreation of late 60s Detroit hasnt defrosted too well.
Av Club
2.5
And Sparkle never delivers on the promise of its most famous song by giving viewers something they can feel.
Av Club
3.2
Houstons performance proves that this could have been the first step not merely in a comeback but in a major re invention. She had the instincts of a ..
EW
3.8
Sparkle isnt blindingly original but it delivers solid entertainment, and despite the cliches I was never for a moment bored.
Rogerebert
3.0
With that in mind, Sparkle is a considerably less substantial movie, but it still has several entertaining numbers, a decent debut by Sparks, and a he ..
Common Sense Media
1.5
Speaking of the world, Sparklite features absolutely gorgeous pixel art.
We Got This Covered
2.5
Sparkles meant to be intoxicating 60s fashion show, seductive vocal performances from Ejogo and Sparks, and its clear cut morality all obviously work ..
1.5
Otherwise, its a rather familiar yarn about the dangers of fame and the importance of listening to your heart.
Screen Daily
5.0
PHOTOS: Whitney Houston Funeral: Fans and Loved Ones Honor the Legendary Star But the interplay among the characters pulsates and the dramatic confron ..
The Hollywood Reporter
2.5
Sparkle follows a music industry hopeful getting her shine on, but theres a more interesting movie percolating along the edges of the frame.
3.8
But its only Carmen Ejogo who makes Sparkle genuinely worth seeing.
San Francisco Chronicle
3.0
Naturally, much of that emotional connection is inspired by Houston.
Ny Daily News
1.9
Because despite the seeming need to draw Michael Jackson ian comparisons, Sparkle was never going to be Houstons This Is It Tour an epic comeback with ..
The Globe And Mail
3.8
Where the original Sparkle was a ghetto melodrama with equal parts mob and music, the Akils have refashioned it into a saga of family rupture and reco ..
Philly
3.5
The moment is not as sublime as Mahalia Jacksons Trouble of the World in Douglas Sirks Imitation of Life, but its close enough.Melissa Anderson
Village Voice
2.5
But for the most part, this is a perfectly serviceable version of a time worn tale, entirely too long.
Rogers Movie Nation
2.5
Sparkle can boasts a rousing climax but the predictable resolution is hardly worth the investment necessary to get to it.
ReelViews
1.5
Its a heartbreaker, especially with all this talent waiting to po ..read more..
Blu Ray
3.8
The story is nothing new, even beyond the fact that the film is a remake of a 1976 movie of the same name.The plot and conflicts having been previousl ..
Mark Reviews Movies
3.1
Its too bad Sparkle trots out so many A Star is Born style cliches.
Usa Today
1.0
All of which is too bad since it starts off decently, featuring some good songs and performances that cruelly inspire hope that some decent entertainm ..
Screen It
1.3
Hell, Dreamgirls did a better job of fictionalizing the story of the Supremes into a viable musical.
Rolling Stone
3.5
And even though the film gives us a fantasy version of late 1960s Detroit (riots are mentioned but never seen in this gleaming, candy colored paradise ..
The Wrap
3.1
Its a fun, sudsy tale of show biz ups and downs, with an endearing Sparks in the title role as one of three singing siblings in Motown era Detroit.
News Day
2.5
But it does little to redeem the rest of this plodding story, which often seems like a flat, straightforward Supremes biopic in its adherence to seemi ..
New York Post
3.5
Sparkle is pure melodrama, but its a high powered, well acted, entertaining melodrama. You may not always believe it, but you wont be bored.
Az Central
3.1
Its a better movie than whats inspired it, but that fails to explain much. Its like preferring the line at the concession stand to the one for the bat ..
Boston
3.1
As the insecure, innocent ingenue, Sparks, 22, seems a bit tentative at first. But like her character, she gains her footing.
Star Tribune
2.5
A remake of the 1976 flick that starred Fames Irene Cara in the title role, the action moves from 1950s Harlem to late 1960s Detroit, which opens the ..
Toronto Star
3.5
They learn that wishing on a star is one thing, but being the star can be a one way ticket to self destruction.
Emanuellevy
3.0
Susan Grangers review of Sparkle (TriStar Pictures) Its impossible to view this musical without realizing its poignant significance as Whitney Houston ..
Susang Ranger
3.0
Trite and predictable but the musical numbers have heart and there is a poignancy in seeing Houston one last time.
Express
3.8
But we dont enjoy films like Sparkle for their documentary realism.
Chicago Tribune
5.0
Is Sparkle corny and predictable Of course it is. Its also highly watchable and a good showcase for its principal cast members.
Blogs Indie Wire
1.5
But most of the film is meandering and murky, full of cliches, histrionics, and implausibilities.
Pajiba
3.0
If youre looking for originality, SPARKLE a remake of a minor 1976 movie is not going to provide it.
Maki At The Movies
3.2
Ejogo is the only actor with chops matching her vocals, and will be interesting to see in a future, broader role.Sparkle may wind up as Ejogos breakth ..
Tamp A Bay
3.1
Thats far more interesting than anything in the story of Sparkle, which drags on through the usual beats of fame and tragedy and heartache and love.
Red Eye Chicago
1.9
In weaving this sordid, bittersweet, but finally inspirational tale, director Salim Akil has seemingly edited the film together by using all of the we ..
Dustin Put Man
3.0
An energetic cast and some terrific music make up for the rather hackneyed plot of this Dreamgirls style drama.
Contact Music
3.8
1 of 5 View Caption This undated film image released by TriStar Pictures shows Mike Epps in a scene from Sparkle.
Sltrib
2.5
The film features a couple of strong performances and some wonderfully crafted scenes.
Cinemix Tape
2.0
But Sparkle, while occasionally silly in a way that made a preview audience titter, is decent entertainment.
Entertainment Time
2.5
Lets deal with the elephant in the room the late Whitney Houston. Like Heath Ledger she has left us with a fine performance.
Media Mikes
3.0
With Whitney Houston gone, the baton passing becomes more than metaphorical. If you enjoy power drama, 1960s girl group nostalgia, and virtuoso pop si ..
Theepoch Times
4.2
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.
Reel Talk Online
1.5
Thats the baggage this performance brings.What is supposed to hold this movie together is the music.
The Scorecard Review
3.0
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Richard Roeper
3.1
There are more bad notes in the story.Its a melodrama, so you expect lots of soap operatics.
Twin Cities
1.5
Unfortunately, Sparkle doesnt provide her or anyone else in this story an opportunity to shine.
Big Hollywood
3.5
I love an old fashioned, entertaining backstage showbiz story, and Sparkle offers plenty on that score.
Windy City Media Group
3.0
The film is still formulaic, but theres enough material to have an enjoyable evenings entertainment.
BlackFilm.com
4.4
A must see, between Whitneys sentimental Swan Song and Carmens coming out party.
Aalbc It
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Sparkle