![]() ![]() "I've known Whitney for 20 years," she said. But on set, Chase insists Houston was sober and present. Drug abuse and domestic violence are major themes in the film, as they were in Houston's personal life. So last year, when "Sparkle" finally was ready to shoot, Chase said Houston jumped into the role of no-nonsense Emma. "When, I don't know, she looked me in the eye, she was in a good place … and I just knew. "I knew how much it meant to her," she said. But despite all that, Chase said she never doubted that her friend was up for the challenge of seeing "Sparkle" through. Then, Houston spiraled into a much-publicized drug problem. The project stalled when the R&B singer Aaliyah, who was originally cast in the title role, died in a plane crash. Houston was found dead of accidental drowning in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in February, although an autopsy report found evidence of cocaine and other drugs in her system.īut a lot would happen during those 12 years. I was in complete shock, and somebody had to sit me down before I fell over. ![]() When the news flashed across the TV screen that the singing legend had died, she felt numb. Sparks, who will make her movie debut when "Sparkle" opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, said she hadn't seen Houston since they filmed together. If it's there, then maybe that's confirmed it." So, we were like, OK, well, let's turn on the news. ![]() "I was like, you're lying, you're lying to me. "I couldn't handle it," Sparks told "Nightline" in a recent interview. It was then she learned the singing legend was dead. ![]() 13, 2012— - On the night of the Grammys, Jordin Sparks of "American Idol" fame was getting ready to walk the red carpet with Whitney Houston to promote their new movie, "Sparkle," when her phone rang. Don’t get me wrong, “Sparkle” wasn’t a bad film, but it isn’t the type that you’ll want to see over and over again.Aug. My last criticism was that the film visually resembled 2006’s “Dreamgirls” in its opening and closing. The new additional music failed to sparkle as well. It’s a rather ironic symbol of how Sparks as Sparkle didn’t really…well, sparkle. Whether that’s a good thing or not can be debated, but most perplexing was that the title-track “Sparkle” was omitted. A nice change from the original was that Sister’s unruliness was given a little more of a rationale and background, and 3rd sister Dee (Tika Sumpter, “One Life to Live”) had more of a proactive and fiesty presence.Īs far as the legendary music is concerned (the 1976 soundtrack featured music written by Curtis Mayfield and performed by Aretha Franklin there was also a cast recording album), only 4 songs from the original were used. The passionate sweetness of the love story between Sparkle and Styx (Luke) was significantly toned down and the edgier, action portions were almost non-existent. The screenplay of the original definitely had its faults, but it was much easier to become enamored with or “sucked in” by the tale. For a new actress, Sparks did a decent job, but the screenplay didn’t give her much room to stand out unfortunately. It’s kind of troubling that the storylines and portrayals of supporting characters outshined the lead. Epps’ seamless transitions from comedic to sinister as the shady Satin was also praise-worthy. Interactions between the pair were absolute gold. The most alluring performances and scenes were delivered by Carmen Ejogo (Tammy, AKA ‘Sister’), who plays Sparkle’s ambitious, but wayward sibling, and Houston as Sparkle’s protective and overbearing mother, Emma (Houston arguably gave her best on-screen performance in this film). It’s difficult to become immersed in the story and attached to the characters so that you’ll be eager to see the outcome or leave the theater deeply affected. There are a few attempts at dramatization that aren’t necessary, while opportune times to be intense aren’t taken. “Sparkle” tries to be endearing and pull at your heart-strings, but it generally fails. However, in analyzing the comparisons lay the strengths and weaknesses of the remake standing alone. Some will try to provide an objective critique and not consider the original film, but the notable differences make it hard to not draw comparisons. Translation: the following is a loose opinion and critique of the Tri-Star Pictures remake of the 1976 film, “Sparkle,” starring “American Idol” alum Jordin Sparks in the title role, Derek Luke, comedian Mike Epps and the late songstress Whitney Houston. I’m just a simple movie-goer who decides to occasionally write film reviews. 1st, let me start off by saying I am not a film student or connoisseur, nor do I have aspirations to join the film industry. ![]()
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