Sparkle

Sparkle is a 2012 musical drama film directed by Salim Akil, featuring a glittering cast led by Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo, and Whitney Houston. A remake of the 1976 film by Sam O'Steen, the movie takes viewers back in time to the 1960s and the height of Motown influence. With a compelling story interlaced with soul-stirring music, Sparkle immerses you into the world of three young sisters with big dreams and the dues they pay to achieve them.

Set in Detroit, Michigan, in the thrilling era of Motown, the film centers around the lives of the three Williams sisters—Sparkle Anderson (Jordin Sparks), Sister Williams (Carmen Ejogo), and Dolores 'Dee' Williams (Tika Sumpter). Sparkle, for whom the movie is named, is a music prodigy with an extraordinary capacity for songwriting. Overflowing with talent but plagued by shyness, she chooses to remain behind the scenes, letting her sisters perform her bold and soulful songs.

Sister, the eldest, is the group's seductive lead singer. She's a fully fledged, ambitious woman with a captivating allure, great singing talent, and an unquenchable desire for fame and wealth. Together with Sparkle and Dee, the youngest but no less talented sister, they form a singing group that starts to dazzle Detroit's local music scene. They aspire to follow in the footsteps of Motown legends, aiming high with their merry fusion of pop, soul, and gospel music.

Whitney Houston, in her final cinematic appearance, gives a powerful performance as Emma, the single mother of the three girls. As a former singer herself, Emma is well aware of the challenges and perils of the music industry, and she is fiercely protective of her daughters. Emma's complex and often painful past adds a layer of poignancy to the film and provides a moral arc that intertwines with the girls' journey to stardom.

Meanwhile, Derek Luke portrays Stix, a charismatic young man who dreams of becoming a music manager. He is passionately drawn to Sparkle and her musical talent, encouraging her to overcome her shyness and realize her full potential. Stix becomes the ambitious driving force behind the Sisters, his entrepreneurial spirit fueling the group's rise in the music industry.

Sparkle is not just a musical but a portrayal of family dynamics, ambition, heartbreak, and the harsh realities of the music industry. The film explores the enticing glamour and promise of fame, but also the ravages and compromise it can bring. The highs and lows of the sisters’ lives are ingeniously expressed through the film's soundtrack, which imbues the story with an authentic Motown vibe.

The movie thrives on the performance of its impressive cast, with Jordin Sparks making her film debut. As Sparkle, she delivers a nuanced and magnetic performance, showcasing her impressive vocal talent. Carmen Ejogo is outstanding as Sister, stirring both delight and empathy with her vulnerable character. Tika Sumpter also displays remarkable talent as Dee, the vibrant youngest sister who has her own set of dreams.

Whitney Houston's presence is extraordinary, her role as Emma becoming a heart-wrenching foreshadowing of her own real-life struggles. Her signature power-ballad, "His Eye is on the Sparrow," is a showstopper moment that beautifully captures the spirit of the film. Other notable performances include Mike Epps as Satin, a comedian with dubious intentions, and Omari Hardwick as Levi, adding depth to the film's narrative.

Sparkle is as much a compelling and warm-hearted drama as it is a musical spectacle. The film, cruising on the strength of its performances, coupled with compelling storytelling, is a cinematic tribute to the Motown era. It invites the audience to feel the thrill of creating and performing music, to experience the sisterhood of three strong and talented women, and to endure the struggles of trying to make it in the industry, all enriched by a memorable, soul-lifting soundtrack. Above all, Sparkle remains a poignant reminder of the late, great Whitney Houston’s remarkable talent.