Sparkle (2012 film)
A 2012 musical remake set in 1968 Detroit.
Sparkle, a 2012 American musical film, was directed by Salim Akil and produced by Stage 6 Films. TriStar Pictures released it on August 17, 2012. The movie is a remake of the 1976 film of the same name and takes its inspiration from The Supremes. While the original focused on three teenage sisters forming a girl group in the late 1950s, this version shifts the setting to Detroit, Michigan, during the Motown era of 1968.
The cast includes Jordin Sparks in her first film role, alongside Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Cee Lo Green, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Tamela Mann, and Omari Hardwick. The soundtrack combines songs from the original film, written by soul musician Curtis Mayfield, with new material from R&B artist R. Kelly. This movie marks the acting debut of Jordin Sparks, an R&B/pop singer and *American Idol* winner. It also stands as Whitney Houston’s final feature film appearance; she died on February 11, 2012, three months after production wrapped. The film is dedicated to her memory.
- director
- Salim Akil
- release_date
- August 17, 2012
- production_company
- Stage 6 Films
- distributor
- TriStar Pictures
- setting
- Detroit, Michigan, 1968
- genre
- Musical film
- notable_cast
- Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Cee Lo Green, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter
Quick Facts
- Director
- Salim Akil
- Producer
- Debra Martin Chase / Whitney Houston / TD Jakes / Curtis Wallace / Salim Akil / Mara Brock Akil
- Screenplay
- Mara Brock Akil
- Story
- Joel Schumacher / Howard Rosenman
- Based On
- Sparkle / 1976 film · Joel Schumacher and Howard Rosenman
- Starring
- Jordin Sparks / Whitney Houston / Derek Luke / Mike Epps / Carmen Ejogo / Tika Sumpter / Omari Hardwick / CeeLo Green
- Music
- Salaam Remi / R. Kelly / Curtis Mayfield / Kier Lehman / André DeJuan
- Cinematography
- Anastas N. Michos
- Editing
- Terilyn A. Shropshire
- Studio
- Stage 6 Films / TriStar Pictures / Martin Chase Productions / Akil Productions
- Distributor
- Sony Pictures Releasing
- Released
- 2012 · 08 · 17
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The film follows the Anderson sisters—eldest Tammy (Sister), middle Delores (Dee), and youngest Sparkle—who form a girl group in 1968 Detroit after aspiring record executive Stix sees Sister perform a song written by Sparkle at a nightclub. Their mother Emma, a failed entertainer turned strict church lady, disapproves of them singing outside of church. The sisters win a local talent show and become a popular act, but Sister's relationship with comedian Satin Struthers turns abusive, leading to drug abuse and her eventual arrest for manslaughter after a fight in which Dee strikes Satin with a fireplace poker. Sparkle eventually pursues a solo career, reconciling with Stix and her mother, who attends her showcase.
Reader's Guide
Sparkle is significant as Whitney Houston's final feature film role, released after her death on February 11, 2012, and dedicated to her memory. It also marks the acting debut of American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. The film is a remake of the 1976 film of the same title, which was inspired by The Supremes, and updates the setting to the Motown era in Detroit. The soundtrack blends original songs by Curtis Mayfield with new compositions by R. Kelly. Critical reception was mixed, with a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 55 out of 100, though Carmen Ejogo's performance received particular praise. The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 30, 2012.
Did You Know?
- Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012, three months after filming ended.
- The film is a remake of the 1976 film of the same title, which centered on three singing teenage sisters in the late 1950s.
- R&B singer Aaliyah was considered for the role of Sparkle in early discussions but was never officially cast; she died in a plane crash in August 2001.
- The film's release date was pushed back from August 10 to August 17, 2012, due to Whitney Houston's death.
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