Share Seansoulo's profile
Seansoulo
Seansoulo's stats
- Review count2
- Helpfulness votes0
- First reviewSeptember 13, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 18, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
Seansoulo's Reviews
Overall rating
4
/
5
Sparkle Shines but with Less Pain
PostedAugust 18, 2012
Seansoulo
from Oklahoma City, OK
Age:35 to 44
Gender:Male
Goes to the movies:monthly
Dialogue
4
/
5
Special Effects
3
/
5
Art Direction
3
/
5
Acting
4
/
5
Story
3
/
5
Camerawork
4
/
5
As a HUGE fan of the original "Sparkle" from my childhood, it took some getting used to all the changes that were made to the new version, but somehow it worked. Mara Brock Akil is a talented Hollywood Showrunner and I've been a longtime fan of hers.
Whitney Houston played her part well as the over protective, bible toting, stern, and bitter single mom of three young women with a troublesome past of her own, who eventually comes around to showing support for her daughter Sparkle's dream of achieving secular music stardom.
The ads portray Cee-Lo Green as if he is a main character, but he simply has a short cameo role. Carmen Ejogo plays the part of "Sister" with a little less UMPH and sassiness than the original, vivacious Lonette McKee, but I loved the fact that Akil was able to give us a little more depth to most of the characters, especially Mike Epps as "Satin." He did an outstanding job, although he played the part of a famous comedian (go-figure), as opposed to a drug dealer like the original. Nonetheless, the guy has acting chops for sure! The oh so gorgeous Jordin Sparks and talented Derek Luke played the roles of Sparkle and Stix wonderfully.
What I would have liked to see was a bit more of the Levi/ Sister relationship before Satin wooed her away, as in the original film. The breathtaking Tika Sumpter played the part of Delores to a Tee, and there was a stronger bond of sisterhood the remake was able to explore.
There are just some unforgettable highlights in the original story that needed to stay, like the Stix & Satin alley fight, Levi working his way up the hustlers food chain. In the new film, he's on the bottom, and the next thing we know he's on top and giving Satin a dose of his own medicine, but we never learn how he got there. There was brutality with Satin and Sister, but the original "crawl" scene would have worked just as well in the remake. Also, there's never any discord between Sparkle and Stix. He says he's leaving, but never does, and she just takes him back with open arms. Delores desire to leave and become a doctor came from watching her mother struggle as a maid her entire life, but in the new film, they came from a middle class family, so there was no struggle.
Overall, it was a good movie that worked with all the changes, but if I had my wish, I would have wanted to see just a little bit more PAIN and STRUGGLE that sparked the original "Sparkle."
Pros well paced, more in-depth characters
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Overall rating
5
/
5
Another Superb Tyler Perry Film!
PostedSeptember 13, 2008
Seansoulo
from Oklahoma City, OK
This one is truly a classic TP Film and may go down as one of his best. It was a releif to see an excellent black drama from beginning to end since the stereotype goes, "black folk have to laugh in order to go see a movie." NOT!!!!
The writing and acting were outstanding. The entire cast delivered...Kathy, Sanaa, Rockmond, Alfrie, TP, Cole, Taraji, KaDee, and Ms. Givens! Superb on all levels.
TP may get a little more artistic in his direction as time goes on...say like Soderberg, but the man TP is a film genius. I am a fan of all his plays, as well as his movies...not too crazy about that TV show though, but keep doin your thing Tyler Perry. Hollywood needs you!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.