“Sparkle” will debut in theaters this Friday. For the African American community, it’s a cinematic classic. The storyline of the film is timeless and all too familiar in the Black community. Yet it is truly a film for everyone who has a dream. This film is for the entire family.
Mom and Dad will recall the original “Sparkle” made in 1976, starring Phillip Michael Thomas, Lonette McKee, and Irene Cara as Sparkle. I remember it because it was my first premiere, and my first time in New York. The original “Sparkle,” was set in Harlem during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Bishop T.D. Jake’s “Sparkle” gives us an updated storyline and new songs, along with the time-honored songs that made the film so hot. The time period remains the same, but Detroit is now the home of three sisters who dream of becoming singing sensations. It is fitting that the film should take place in Detroit, the home of the Motown sound, and the Supremes, the group the film is loosely based on.
What also makes this film a truly special event is that it is, sadly, Whitney Houston’s last film.
Originally, many in the entertainment field were looking at “Sparkle” as a springboard for Houston’s comeback, but it was not meant to be.
Jakes, “Sparkle” producer, says: “As the nation prepares for the debut of ‘Sparkle’ on August 17, it is a bittersweet moment. Losing Ms. Whitney Houston is such a loss. She is missed even more this week because had she lived, she would’ve been 49 and preparing with us for the premiere. I know that she would be touched to know how deeply she is loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Whitney, we will always love you!”
“Sparkle” stars Jordin Sparks (“American Idol” winner, sixth season), Houston, (“The Bodyguard”) Derek Luke (“Captain America: The First Avenger”), Mike Epps (“Jumping the Broom”), Carmen Ejogo (HBO’s “Lackawanna Blues”), Tika Sumpter (“Think Like a Man”), Omari Hardwick (“The A Team”) and Cee Lo Green as Black.
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 (Houston), she tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Luke) while dealing with the unexpected challenges her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Ejogo and Sumpter) strive to become a dynamic singing group during the Motown era.
Jakes says he’s excited to be a part of “Sparkle.” He continues: “I believe it to be a cinematic extravaganza.” He’s right. How can it miss?
No doubt the “Sparkle” sound track will be jumping off the shelves. Green has written a song expressly for the movie, “I’m a Man,” and Houston sings “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” You know there will be some tears flowing. If you can’t wait to hear the songs, visit the official “Sparkle” website at http://sparkle-movie.com/site/ and check out other information about the movie and its stars. The website is jampacked with information.
“Sparkle” is in theaters this Friday. Because of the outstanding talent featured in this movie, I can say “Sparkle” is a movie you won’t want to miss.
Gail can be reached at gail@hollywoodbychoice.com
