Chicago – Given the shocking circumstances of Whitney Houston’s passing, it is a bit disconcerting to see her vibrantly alive again in the new film “Sparkle.” However, if she was still with us, this trifling and dull film would soon be forgotten. Jordan Sparks, Derek Luke and Carmen Ejogo co-star.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
It is unfortunate that this will be Houston’s last public work, because “Sparkle” never really shines. The characters go through the standard mode kids-let’s-put-on-a-show, with standard obstacles like religion, household rules and unmotivated push back from negative people – including Houston’s role. There are some dramatic musical numbers, but they are expressed mostly as set pieces rather than memorable tunes. There is a lot of sincerity in the performances and overall production, yet sincerity cannot overcome the drawback of a dishwater story.
It’s 1968 Detroit, and three sisters are in or on the verge of adulthood, and...
Rating: 2.5/5.0
It is unfortunate that this will be Houston’s last public work, because “Sparkle” never really shines. The characters go through the standard mode kids-let’s-put-on-a-show, with standard obstacles like religion, household rules and unmotivated push back from negative people – including Houston’s role. There are some dramatic musical numbers, but they are expressed mostly as set pieces rather than memorable tunes. There is a lot of sincerity in the performances and overall production, yet sincerity cannot overcome the drawback of a dishwater story.
It’s 1968 Detroit, and three sisters are in or on the verge of adulthood, and...
- 8/17/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Stepping up from American Idol winner to a major film lead role looks smooth and easy for Jordin Sparks. She won Idol in 2007, released a couple of multi-platinum albums, and now plays the title character in “Sparkle,” which also has the final on-screen performance of Whitney Houston. It all seems natural for this major talent.
Sparks was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and her father is former pro footballer Phillippi Sparks. While her Dad played football for the New York Giants, she grew up in New Jersey. Before winning American Idol, she also won various competitions such as Coca-Cola’s Rising Star, America’s Most Talented Kids and Colgate Country Showdown. She had auditioned twice for American Idol the year before she won it, and got her ticket to the Hollywood portion of the show after winning Arizona Idol in 2007.
Jordin Sparks Portrays Sparkle and Whitney Houston is her Mother...
Sparks was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and her father is former pro footballer Phillippi Sparks. While her Dad played football for the New York Giants, she grew up in New Jersey. Before winning American Idol, she also won various competitions such as Coca-Cola’s Rising Star, America’s Most Talented Kids and Colgate Country Showdown. She had auditioned twice for American Idol the year before she won it, and got her ticket to the Hollywood portion of the show after winning Arizona Idol in 2007.
Jordin Sparks Portrays Sparkle and Whitney Houston is her Mother...
- 8/16/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
M&C has added production stills from the upcoming Whitney Houstonand Jordin Sparks film Sparkle . in theaters August 17th. Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) in TriStar Pictures' Sparkle. Photo By: Alicia Gbur. © 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (L-r) Stix (Derek Luke) and Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) in TriStar Pictures' Sparkle. Photo By: Alicia Gbur. © 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Emma (Whitney Houston) in Sparkle. Photo By: Alicia Gbur. © 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Emma (Whitney Houston) in TriStar Pictures' Sparkle. Photo By: Alicia Gbur. © 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) and Emma (Whitney Houston) in TriStar Pictures' Sparkle. Photo By: Alicia Gbur. © 2012...
- 6/14/2012
- by Patrick Luce
- Monsters and Critics
Due in theaters on August 17th, NBC’s “Today” show had an early look at the trailer for Whitney Houston’s Sparkle. Check it out below.
Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. Directed by Salim Akil with a story by Nicholas August and Howard Rosenman, Sparkle stars Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green.
Like on Facebook for exclusive content: http://www.facebook.com/Sparkle
(L-r) Stix (Derek Luke...
Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era. Directed by Salim Akil with a story by Nicholas August and Howard Rosenman, Sparkle stars Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green.
Like on Facebook for exclusive content: http://www.facebook.com/Sparkle
(L-r) Stix (Derek Luke...
- 4/2/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Photo By: Alicia Gbur Copyright: © 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Scheduled for an August 17th release, here’s a first look at 4 new photos, including one of the late Whitney Houston as Emma, in Sparkle. Directed by Salim Akil with a story by Nicholas August and Howard Rosenman, the film stars Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green.
Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era.
(L-r) Stix (Derek Luke...
Scheduled for an August 17th release, here’s a first look at 4 new photos, including one of the late Whitney Houston as Emma, in Sparkle. Directed by Salim Akil with a story by Nicholas August and Howard Rosenman, the film stars Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and CeeLo Green.
Musical prodigy, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) struggles to become a star while overcoming issues that are tearing her family apart. From an affluent Detroit area and daughter to a single mother (Whitney Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown-era.
(L-r) Stix (Derek Luke...
- 3/16/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Co-star Derek Luke recalls singer's final film performance, a day before 2012 Oscars, at Independent Spirit Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting with Josh Horowitz
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
Moviegoers will get to see Whitney Houston's final film performance, in "Sparkle," when the film opens in August. Before the icon's tragic death two weeks ago, the movie was set to be Houston's big return to the silver screen, her first since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."
A day before the Oscars, Houston's "Sparkle" co-star Derek Luke reflected on working with the singer when we caught up with him at the Independent Spirit Awards.
"The beautiful thing about being in 'Sparkle' is that we had something that was recorded that I can hold onto, and in that time, me and my wife and Whitney ... the other cast, we really bonded," he shared.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting with Josh Horowitz
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
Moviegoers will get to see Whitney Houston's final film performance, in "Sparkle," when the film opens in August. Before the icon's tragic death two weeks ago, the movie was set to be Houston's big return to the silver screen, her first since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."
A day before the Oscars, Houston's "Sparkle" co-star Derek Luke reflected on working with the singer when we caught up with him at the Independent Spirit Awards.
"The beautiful thing about being in 'Sparkle' is that we had something that was recorded that I can hold onto, and in that time, me and my wife and Whitney ... the other cast, we really bonded," he shared.
- 2/27/2012
- MTV Music News
Co-star Derek Luke recalls singer's final film performance, a day before 2012 Oscars, at Independent Spirit Awards.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting with Josh Horowitz
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
Moviegoers will get to see Whitney Houston's final film performance, in "Sparkle," when the film opens in August. Before the icon's tragic death two weeks ago, the movie was set to be Houston's big return to the silver screen, her first since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."
A day before the Oscars, Houston's "Sparkle" co-star Derek Luke reflected on working with the singer when we caught up with him at the Independent Spirit Awards.
"The beautiful thing about being in 'Sparkle' is that we had something that was recorded that I can hold onto, and in that time, me and my wife and Whitney ... the other cast, we really bonded," he shared.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting with Josh Horowitz
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
Moviegoers will get to see Whitney Houston's final film performance, in "Sparkle," when the film opens in August. Before the icon's tragic death two weeks ago, the movie was set to be Houston's big return to the silver screen, her first since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."
A day before the Oscars, Houston's "Sparkle" co-star Derek Luke reflected on working with the singer when we caught up with him at the Independent Spirit Awards.
"The beautiful thing about being in 'Sparkle' is that we had something that was recorded that I can hold onto, and in that time, me and my wife and Whitney ... the other cast, we really bonded," he shared.
- 2/27/2012
- MTV Movie News
The remake, in which she plays Jordin Sparks' mom, wrapped filming before the singer's untimely death.
By Kara Warner
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
The news of Whitney Houston's death Saturday has left those who loved her reeling, with a multitude of celebrity fans and friends expressing their grief publicly.
Houston's untimely passing on the eve of the Grammy Awards has shocked everyone, nearly extinguishing the normally festive atmosphere in Los Angeles surrounding the music industry's biggest night. While fans will unfortunately not have the opportunity to see her sing live again, Houston's legacy will live on via her final film, "Sparkle," which is scheduled to be released by Sony in August as planned.
A rep for the studio expressed deep sympathy for the loss of the icon to MTV News.
"Like all those who knew and loved her, we are...
By Kara Warner
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
The news of Whitney Houston's death Saturday has left those who loved her reeling, with a multitude of celebrity fans and friends expressing their grief publicly.
Houston's untimely passing on the eve of the Grammy Awards has shocked everyone, nearly extinguishing the normally festive atmosphere in Los Angeles surrounding the music industry's biggest night. While fans will unfortunately not have the opportunity to see her sing live again, Houston's legacy will live on via her final film, "Sparkle," which is scheduled to be released by Sony in August as planned.
A rep for the studio expressed deep sympathy for the loss of the icon to MTV News.
"Like all those who knew and loved her, we are...
- 2/12/2012
- MTV Movie News
The remake, in which she plays Jordin Sparks' mom, wrapped filming before the singer's untimely death.
By Kara Warner
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
The news of Whitney Houston's death Saturday has left those who loved her reeling, with a multitude of celebrity fans and friends expressing their grief publicly.
Houston's untimely passing on the eve of the Grammy Awards has shocked everyone, nearly extinguishing the normally festive atmosphere in Los Angeles surrounding the music industry's biggest night. While fans will unfortunately not have the opportunity to see her sing live again, Houston's legacy will live on via her final film, "Sparkle," which is scheduled to be released by Sony in August as planned.
A rep for the studio expressed deep sympathy for the loss of the icon to MTV News.
"Like all those who knew and loved her, we are...
By Kara Warner
Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in "Sparkle"
Photo: Alicia Gbur/ Stage 6 Films
The news of Whitney Houston's death Saturday has left those who loved her reeling, with a multitude of celebrity fans and friends expressing their grief publicly.
Houston's untimely passing on the eve of the Grammy Awards has shocked everyone, nearly extinguishing the normally festive atmosphere in Los Angeles surrounding the music industry's biggest night. While fans will unfortunately not have the opportunity to see her sing live again, Houston's legacy will live on via her final film, "Sparkle," which is scheduled to be released by Sony in August as planned.
A rep for the studio expressed deep sympathy for the loss of the icon to MTV News.
"Like all those who knew and loved her, we are...
- 2/12/2012
- MTV Music News
Photo By: Alicia Gbur Copyright: © 2012 Stage 6 Films, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) and Emma (Whitney Houston) star in this first image from TriStar Pictures’ Sparkle.
Sparkle is a remake of the 1976 film and tells the story of the title character Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to become a star while facing issues that are tearing her family apart. Starring alongside Houston in the musical drama are Grammy® nominated and platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks (.American Idol. winner, Season 6), Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America: The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I, Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (What.s Your Number?, .Gossip Girl.), Omari Hardwick (Kick Ass, The A-Team) and Grammy® Award winner, Cee-Lo Green.
Sparkle is being directed by Salim Akil (Jumping The Broom) from a screenplay written by Mara Brock Akil...
Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) and Emma (Whitney Houston) star in this first image from TriStar Pictures’ Sparkle.
Sparkle is a remake of the 1976 film and tells the story of the title character Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to become a star while facing issues that are tearing her family apart. Starring alongside Houston in the musical drama are Grammy® nominated and platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks (.American Idol. winner, Season 6), Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America: The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I, Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (What.s Your Number?, .Gossip Girl.), Omari Hardwick (Kick Ass, The A-Team) and Grammy® Award winner, Cee-Lo Green.
Sparkle is being directed by Salim Akil (Jumping The Broom) from a screenplay written by Mara Brock Akil...
- 1/29/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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