'Sparkle' shines in the predictable remake

By Jon Bream / Minneapolis Star-Tribune

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 17, 2012

~~<p>"Sparkle" commands attention because it's the last movie for Whitney Houston and the first for "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks.</p>
<p>The film tells the story of three sisters who want to become the next Supremes over the protestations of their churchgoing single mom (Houston), a former R&B singer who got burned by the music biz. No, this isn't a redo of "Dreamgirls." This is a makeover of 1976's "Sparkle," which starred "Flashdance" singer Irene Cara. Houston was 13 when it came out, and the film reportedly inspired her so much that she watched it over and over as a teenager, and later secured the remake rights.</p>
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<h4>'SPARKLE'</h4>
<strong>Rated:</strong> PG-13
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"Sparkle" commands attention because it's the last movie for Whitney Houston and the first for "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks.

The film tells the story of three sisters who want to become the next Supremes over the protestations of their churchgoing single mom (Houston), a former R&B singer who got burned by the music biz. No, this isn't a redo of "Dreamgirls." This is a makeover of 1976's "Sparkle," which starred "Flashdance" singer Irene Cara. Houston was 13 when it came out, and the film reportedly inspired her so much that she watched it over and over as a teenager, and later secured the remake rights. 'SPARKLE' Rated: PG-13 Login for more...