Sparkle

I am an avid fan of the original movie. I saw it in the movie theater a record 15 times! Of course, that was back in the days when they didn't clear the movie theater after each showing but it still means that I went to the theater at least 7 times, seeing it no less then twice w/each venture. I was very skeptical of the remake because I wasn't sure how one would go about fixing something that wasn't broken. I heard the music before I actually saw the movie and was not impressed because it was the also the original movie that prompted me to purchase Lonette McKee's solo release Words and Music back in '77 or '78 where she wrote, arranged and produced the entire album on her own. I fell in love w/voice as well as her astounding beauty through Sparkle. I also became a fan of Irene Cara. I didn't think that the new vocals had the same bite as the original but once I actually saw the movie (on it's opening day) and heard the music along w/the movement so beautifully created by Fatima Robinson. One of the reasons I purchase DVDs is for the special features which often shed so much more light on a production than comes through in viewing. I appreciated that the story was advanced from the late 50's to the late 60's when there was so much more going on where our civil rights were concerned. I thought all the performances were stellar and I also enjoyed the changes in the plot. It was also a wonderful final performance for Whitney but wasn't all about her which I was concerned that it would be. For those who are as connected to original as I am, i am very please to say that this is a very worthy remake of the original; keeping all the important issues in tact and giving the women in the story a lot more power than the original. Happy viewing.

Sad but good. Very inspirational. Great Cast. My favorite character was Sister (Carmen Ejogo) especially when they sang "Giving him something he can feel". I like to watch Mike Epps he plays his a-hole characters very well. And Derek plays his good guy characters (madea a goes to jail & Antwan fisher) well too. Whitney's sadly last movie, thinking about it makes me want to cry. Sparkle is very inspiring. Loved Tika from "The haves and have nots" A sequel to this movie would be nice showing what happens after sister gets out of prison. This movie show true sisterhood and reflects lots of real life stories. Very good movie with great cast and very inspirational. Love this movie so much I bought it.

I just finished viewing Sparkle. It was amazing. The actors were marveleous and the music was right on time. Whitney was astounding as I believe she delivered one of her greatest performances ever. This is a must see. Jordan Sparks really surprised me with her fresh performance. My complaint about the movie is that I wish it had been a bit longer. Whitney's maturity in this movie really made it believable. It's hard to believe that that was her last performance. However, it is one that she will be remembered for a long time. Mike Epps was something else. A brilliant actor, I can't think of anyone else who could have captured the arrogance and insincerity of his chracter. This movie has earned its place in my collection. Please believe me when I say that the previews does not do this movie justice. It is not just a great movie, because of the actors. It is just a great movie. This is most definitely a must see.

Outstanding movie I will order it again great quality view. Very common dramatic a lot of action yeah it was good.

After Whitney died I was so incredibly shocked like many others around the world, and so like many I found myself listening to a lot of her many songs and watching her movies again for months on end and reminiscing. When I realized that Sparkle was a film she had made right before she died, I felt compelled to see it but I didn't get my hopes up as I'd assumed that it would be a performance that wouldn't leave me with any closure in regards to her untimely death, but I was very wrong. Whitney did an amazing job in this movie, she really did play her role as supporting actress superbly and whenever her character, Emma, is in a scene she steals the scene. Her performance in this movie is so honest, raw, and genuine. You can tell that Whitney had to draw on her own life experiences to really play the character of Emma effectively and she did it excellently. This version of Sparkle deviates slightly from the original so it's definitely not a typical remake and its not a carbon copy of the 1976 version but it still delivers, I am sure people will like this version just as much as the old one. Jordin Sparks sang like I've never heard her sing before, she was simply awesome, and the soundtrack to this movie is catchy, anyone who's a fan of the Motown era will just like the soundtrack alone. Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter gave terrific performances as well. I liked the feisty demeanor of both of their characters. And of course anyone who's a Whitney fan will love this movie, I promise. Also there are some very nice special features about Whitney and the making of Sparkle on the DVD, so it's definitely worth adding to your collection.

My interest in this movie was that it was one of Whitney Houston's last movies if not her last. The acting was pretty good. It paralleled abuse Whitney had to take from her spouse but in the movie the lead singer went to prison for killing her husband (she took the rap for it anyway). It was a sad movie. It had a lot of truth in it in that when you are a parent (Whitney) that has had it rough or seen rough abusive situations you tend to be very protective with your children, sometimes too protective, and in return your children rebel on you. Later on they understand what you were doing, some thank you for it, some never come back. The good thing is that the movie has a good ending, but what is so sad to see is how the lead singer devalued herself just to become famous. To her it was better than staying home and being nothing. That is sad. However, Sparkle, the younger sister, went on to success as her mother learned and ended up being supportive of her and her other sister before it was too late. She did teach them right but her grip of fear was too tight and it almost ruined the oldest daughter, the lead singer. Good job Whitney! Sad that the lead singer had to go to prison, but you have this feeling she will be alright too as Whitney was now visiting her. As an after thought, I like it more and more, though the abuse and emphasis on the lead singer's sex appeal was a little raunchy and sad. So many things about the movie reflect Whitney's life and fame and the fruits of it's exposure.

I loved this movie when it first came out and still love it today, it’s one I will keep in my dvd collection because nothing better than having an original.

Now mind you, I grew up singing in them so it is a hard habit to break. I love anything with music and that has a story. However, I did just see it as a way for Jordin Sparks to show off her NEW body...Go Jordin, we love you no matter what weight you were at. No one can take your talent away, and although we live in a world so quick to judge other's by their appearance you rocked it. I can say however I'm still saddened by the tragic death of Whitney Houston, it was such a shock, but not. It was nice to see her in this role. A role I thought really hit home for her, really. If you like the oldies with a twist you will enjoy singing along to this film's soundtrack as it plays out. The story line has been written a thousand times before, but the vocals alone are a real treat. Enjoy