Sparkle
- Director: Sam O'Steen
- Writer: Howard Rosenman; Joel Schumacher
CGiii Comment
Re-discovered, re-packaged and re-launched...straight off the back of Dream Girls - it's the same old rags to riches, well-trodden diatribe.
O'Steen's direction is as snappy as a broken record - which does not help the rather mundane and dreary soundtrack - Mayfield failed to deliver.
That's the problem with this film - everyone failed to deliver - no standout songs nor performances.
The story has been heard before - over and over again, this may be one of the the originals....but, it is a far cry from the vastly superior Dream Girls - it's like watching the Tina Turner story without the talent.
Interesting in seeing the early work of Schumacher - who went on to do bigger and better things.
And what's with the 'trannie' and poodle?!? Ouch!
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Three sisters (Sister and the Sisters) from Harlem become singers. Sister (Lonette McKee) becomes involved with drugs, while Sparkle (Irene Cara) ends up being the one who gets famous. This film tells of how drugs ruin Sister's relationships and eventually end her life. It is also about the relationship between Sparkle and Stix (Philip Michael Thomas).
Cast & Characters
Philip Michael Thomas as Stix;
Irene Cara as Sparkle;
Lonette McKee as Sister;
Dwan Smith as Delores;
Mary Alice as Effie;
Dorian Harewood as Levi;
Tony King as Satin;
Beatrice Winde as Mrs. Waters;
Paul Lambert as Moe;
Joyce Easton as Lee;
Otis Day as Ham;
Norma Miller as Doreen;
Talya Ferro as Miss Taylor;
Bob Delegall as Mr. Daniels;
Armelia McQueen as Ann