The film stars Irene Cara, Philip Michael Thomas, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood, and Tony King. Curtis Mayfield served as the composer and producer of Sparkle's songs and score. With a plot inspired by the history of The Supremes, Sparkle is a period film set in Harlem, New York during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It presents the story of a musical girl group that ends up breaking apart due to individual issues each member faces. This film not only "recreates the magic of a special period in American history, but it explores the effect of Harlem's musical and social culture on the rest of the world", as well as the linkages to black power6
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 21 | December 2, 2022 7:09 PM |
This movie was a lot better than the remake. It had a gritty, grimy quality that stood out amongst other musicals, much less glossy than a Dreamgirls or similar. The set pieces are very realistic, and Cara and the entire cast do great work. The real star of the show is Curtis Mayfield, I think it's some of his best work as a composer. The fact that En Vogue were having hits 20 years later covering the same songs (and wearing the same outfits as Cara) is a testament to his timeless songcraft.
The film itself may have been better remembered if they didn't let Aretha Franklin re-record the entire soundtrack. It kind of buried the original performances a little, as good as they were. She was maybe at her vocal peak here - I think she'd stopped smoking (temporarily - lol). The opening run on 'Something He Can Feel' is spine tingling.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 2 | November 27, 2022 10:12 AM |
YouTube does not "stream" movies as far as I know.
by Anonymous | reply 3 | November 27, 2022 10:33 AM |
OK I take that back. Sorry for being crabby. It's the first of streaming sites.
by Anonymous | reply 4 | November 27, 2022 1:48 PM |
I’m watching it via YouTube app on my 📺
by Anonymous | reply 5 | November 27, 2022 9:06 PM |
I think it’s shitty that fucking Aretha Franklin was allowed to take over the soundtrack album. I like Irene Cara and Lonette McKee’s vocals in all of the featured songs in the movie. It’s a crime they didn’t appear on the movie soundtrack album. Aretha is a hog.
by Anonymous | reply 6 | November 27, 2022 9:32 PM |
^^^ agree 100%
Both Irene and Lonette are so "unsung"/underrated
by Anonymous | reply 7 | November 27, 2022 10:02 PM |
Thank you, OP, for the film link. I loved Irene Cara, no matter what he was in. She was a true triple threat and gave off a warm, sensitive vibe.
by Anonymous | reply 8 | November 27, 2022 10:18 PM |
Lonette McKee gave an amazing heartbreaking performance! Sister really had it going on and burned it to the ground!
by Anonymous | reply 9 | November 27, 2022 10:20 PM |
That movie was shot so poorly. Shit lighting. Props, etc. No budget. Shit acting from the mother. It wasn’t watchable despite liking Cara, McKee, Thomas.
by Anonymous | reply 10 | November 27, 2022 10:31 PM |
[quote]I think it’s shitty that fucking Aretha Franklin was allowed to take over the soundtrack album. I like Irene Cara and Lonette McKee’s vocals in all of the featured songs in the movie. It’s a crime they didn’t appear on the movie soundtrack album. Aretha is a hog.
I wonder what was the story behind that. If Aretha, who is my favorite female singer, was going to do the soundtrack, then why wasn't her vocals used in the movie? With that said, I loved L McGee's vocals better and that is saying something. Most people did, so why was Aretha used for the soundtrack?
I swear I can't remember any movie in which this happened.
by Anonymous | reply 12 | November 29, 2022 7:57 AM |
#JusticeforSparkle/Irene/Lonette
by Anonymous | reply 13 | November 29, 2022 4:41 PM |
R12 both Aretha and Curtis must have wanted her to have the first shot at those tunes. The label probably thought it would sell better..... and if the film was a hit, then put out the soundtrack vocals....... Strange, though. You would think through the years someone would have put Irene and Lonette out as bonus tracks on someting.
by Anonymous | reply 14 | November 30, 2022 5:03 PM |
It’s a shit movie that nobody in 2022 could stand to watch. I dare you to try.
by Anonymous | reply 15 | November 30, 2022 6:04 PM |
It's before my time, but I always stop to watch it on YT.
by Anonymous | reply 16 | December 1, 2022 6:59 AM |
R16 I don't understand. One "stops to watch" something on TV that happens to be programmed and airing, at a random moment one happens have time to watch it.
Things on YOUTUBE are on there permanently and available to start any second of every day.
by Anonymous | reply 17 | December 1, 2022 11:30 AM |
R2, I really feel Sparkle is one of Aretha's best albums.
by Anonymous | reply 18 | December 1, 2022 1:34 PM |
[quote]Things on YOUTUBE are on there permanently and available to start any second of every day.
I listen to the songs, and sometimes, I see scenes of the movie or the movie itself.
by Anonymous | reply 19 | December 2, 2022 7:32 AM |
Don't like this film, but McKee is the star. The film is noted for the beauty of the female leads.
by Anonymous | reply 21 | December 2, 2022 7:09 PM |
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