Overall, the Akils’ take on this classic film strikes a fine balance between drama and depth. Both fans of the original movie and new viewers should enjoy this solid effort.

| Jan 16, 2024

A film that should inspire instead collapses.

| Original Score: 1.5/4.0 | Sep 24, 2020

Sparks has a nice screen presence and I will be interested to see her in other projects, but there are long stretches where her story takes a backseat to Sister. And Sister's story just isn't that interesting.

| Apr 11, 2019

All in all, Sparkle is a thoroughly entertaining movie. Viewers will get some laughs, maybe shed a few tears and definitely leave with their fill of good music.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 16, 2018

It proves that there are still wonderful roles for women--of any color--to make their own and of which one day can look back on and be proud.

| Original Score: A- | Sep 8, 2017

With Whitney Houston gone, the baton passing becomes more than metaphorical. If you enjoy power-drama, 1960s girl-group nostalgia, and virtuoso pop singing-this is your movie.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 30, 2016

"Sparkle" has its bright spots - mostly in the middle of the film - and Epps and Ojogo shine.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Apr 17, 2016

This is the second most embarrassing thing to happen to Whitney Houston this year.

| Jul 17, 2013

Wallowing in melodrama, the film's sole highlight is Whitney Houston's supporting turn in it.

| Original Score: 1.5/5 | Jun 30, 2013

Whitney Houston's vibrant, final performance adds poignancy to this likeable, breezy remake of a familiar tale.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 7, 2012

it is impossible not to think of the singers real life rise and fall. Whitney Houston's face does not disguise the descent. You can see the tracks of her tears. She looks a lot older than her 48 years.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Oct 15, 2012

An energetic cast and some terrific music make up for the rather hackneyed plot of this Dreamgirls-style drama. Remade from a 1976 film, the story is that familiar trajectory of musicians who achieve fame only to fall into a string of ugly problems.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 8, 2012

Trite and predictable but the musical numbers have heart and there is a poignancy in seeing Houston one last time.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 5, 2012

No one could make a case for this being other than fairly ordinary, but it is at least enjoyable.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 5, 2012

Some sparkle and plenty of motion.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 1, 2012

Sparkle isn't Dreamgirls - but fans of schmaltzy showbiz fairytales should enjoy it.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 28, 2012

... transfers the 1976 cult hit from 1950s Harlem to '60s Detroit with faults and virtues intact.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 26, 2012

Noteworthy only for featuring Whitney Houston's last screen appearance.

| Aug 27, 2012

'Sparkle' is a solidly, if not imaginatively, made showbiz tale that might have escaped notice had it not been for that fact that one if its stars, singer Whitney Houston, died after she completed her work in it.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 26, 2012

While most people will focus on Sparks' acting debut or on Houston's touching final performance ... , the real fire comes from Ejogo's sultry and tough-minded performance as the down-but-never-out Sister.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 25, 2012